Understanding Infrastructure wireless LAN and Peer-to-Peer or Ad-Hoc wireless Network

Wireless technologies allow one or more devices to communicate with each other without any physical connections such as cables. Wireless technologies use radio frequency transmission for transmitting data. Using wireless network data can be transmitted between a wireless computer and a wired computer. Users need not disconnect their laptops; instead they can move around the office and perform their tasks effectively.

Types of Wireless Network 

Wireless networks can be established using two different ways. The two types  networks are: 

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) or Ad-Hoc or ISS

Access Point or Infrastructure wireless LAN or BSS

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) or Ad-Hoc or ISS 

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) or Ad-Hoc or ISS, multiple computers are connected wirelessly using wireless NIC. This network allows wireless devices to directly communicate with each other. Wireless devices which are within each other's range can communicate with each other without the involvement of a Central Access Point, Computers can access printers and share files using this type of networking, but cannot access a wired LAN resources 

The mode is similar to the mesh topology, it is basically used for creating a small wireless workgroup and hence is implemented where the number of users is less.

A Peer-to-Peer or Ad-hoc network is showing in picture

You can set up an ad hoc wireless network at home without using router and switch. You can also use it share files and printer tow or more computer wirelessly.  

Access point or Infrastructure wireless LAN or BSS

In Access point or infrastructure wireless LAN an access point is used to setup wireless network. Access point is also known as Infrastructure Wireless LAN. In this type of network, the wireless device connects to the access point and to the network. It is widely used wireless LAN. The access point acts as a hub to connect two wireless computers. WAP acts as a bridge which is used to connect the wireless network to the wired network, thus allowing wireless computers access LAN resources and existing Internet connectivity. 

This mode is similar to a star topology where the wireless network range can be extended by adding additional access points to the existing network. The infrastructure mode is complicated as compared to the Ad-hoc mode. The location of the access points requires proper planning to provide effective wireless connectivity.

Access point or infrastructure wireless LAN is shown in picture