Indoor Wireless Network

Indoor Wireless
Network
The following guide is to help you understand how to build a basic wireless network in a home or office environment. In addition to
the information below, we also recommend reading the Network Glossary section of this guide for better understanding. There are
2 different topologies for building a wireless network:
An Adhoc wireless network do not use wireless AP or
router as the central hub of the network. Instead,
wireless client are connected directly to each other. Since there is no
Ethernet interface to uplink other network devices, it is difficult to share
network service such as Internet connection. Adhoc is not recommended
except for quick exchange of files between 2 PCs.
A wireless network that is built around one
or more access points, providing wireless
clients access to wired LAN or Internet service. It is the most popular
WLAN network structure today.
Adhoc
Infrastructure
Server
WLAN USB
Wireless AP
WLAN PCI
WLAN USB
PCI
WLAN Card
To Build a WLAN network, you need the following equipment:
The wireless network card connects to
your PC, Notebook or PDA to transmit
and receive data from the Access Point. The WLAN cards comes in different
form factors
Wireless LAN card
PCI Adapter
Wireless Access Point is the center of the
infrastructure network. It is a wireless hub that
acts as the center for all the wireless traffic. AP typically has an Ethernet
port for connection to other network device such as broadband routers or
ADSL modems. The AP is also available in the following variations.
Wireless AP
Wireless Router
For your desktop PC, PCI adapter typically comes with an
antenna connector that can be upgrade to higher gain
antenna. Since it is more difficult to remove than USB, therefore,
more secure for office or school environment.
A combination of Wireless AP + Broad Router to allow users
sharing an Internet connection.
Wireless ADSL Router
Cardbus Adapter
A combination of Wireless AP + Broad Router + ADSL to allow
users sharing an ADSL connection.
For your notebook's Cardbus slot. The advantage of Cardbus
solution is it can stay inside the cardbus slot of your notebook.
USB Adapter
For any PC or Notebook with USB port. The advantage of USB
solution is the portability and easy installation.
Building a Wireless Network
Wireless AP
Decision
WLAN Card
Decision
For Notebook PC
For Desktop PC
For PDA
Have a
Router?
Cardbus
WLAN
Card
Yes
No
WLAN USB
with
Detachable
Antenna
Yes
For
Office
or
Home?
Need to Stay
Inside Notebook?
Need Extra
Long Distance?
No
Portable WLAN
USB Adapter
Home
Office
PCI
WLAN
Adapter
WLAN
SD I/O
Card
Yes
Wireless
AP
Yes
Wireless
Router
No
Have ADSL or
Cable Modem?
No
Wireless
ADSL Router