Wireless Networks

Provide access to other networks Provide access to other networks

Coordinate access between stations Coordinate access between stations
Can support roaming -- mobility between Can support roaming -- mobility between
service areas service areas
wired wired network network
AP AP: Access Access Point Point Infrastructurebased
Wireless networks.

Infrastructure
•Wireless networks can either Wireless networks can either
– Require no infrastructure, or Require no infrastructure, or
– Rely on the presence of some infrastructure for Rely on the presence of some
infrastructure for
• Control Control
• Access to wire line networks Access to wire line networks
• Infrastructure networks usually offer greater Infrastructure networks usually offer
greater
functionality functionality
• Ad hoc networks are without infrastructure, Ad hoc networks are without infrastructure,
where all nodes can move where all nodes can move
– Can be deployed rapidly Can be deployed rapidly