A wireless network may consist of as few as two devices. - The nodes could simply be desktop workstations or notebook computers. Equipped with wireless NICs, an ‘ad hoc’ network could be established which compares to a peer-to-peer wired network. Both devices act as servers and clients in this environment. Although it does provide connectivity, security is at a minimum along with throughput. Another problem with this type of network is compatibility. Many times NICs from different manufacturers are not compatible.

To solve the problem of compatibility, an access point (AP) is commonly installed to act as a central hub for the WLAN "infrastructure mode". The AP is hard wired to the cabled LAN to provide Internet access and connectivity to the wired network. APs are equipped with antennae and provide wireless connectivity over a specified area referred to as a cell. Depending on the structural composition of the location in which the AP is installed and the size and gain of the antennae, the size of the cell could greatly vary. Most commonly, the range will be from 91.44 to 152.4 meters (300 to 500 feet). To service larger areas, multiple access points may be installed with a degree of overlap. The overlap permits "roaming" between cells. This is very similar to the services provided by cellular phone companies. Overlap, on multiple AP networks, is critical to allow for movement of devices within the WLAN. Although not addressed in the IEEE standards, a 20-30% overlap is desirable. This rate of overlap will permit roaming between cells, allowing for the disconnect and reconnect activity to occur seamlessly without service interruption.

When a client is activated within the WLAN, it will start "listening" for a compatible device with which to "associate". This is referred to as "scanning" and may be active or passive.

Active scanning causes a probe request to be sent from the wireless node seeking to join the network. The probe request will contain the Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the network it wishes to join. When an AP with the same SSID is found, the AP will issue a probe response. The authentication and association steps are completed.

Passive scanning nodes listen for beacon management frames (beacons), which are transmitted by the AP (infrastructure mode) or peer nodes (ad hoc). When a node receives a beacon that contains the SSID of the network it is trying to join, an attempt is made to join the network. Passive scanning is a continuous process and nodes may associate or disassociate with APs as signal strength changes.

Interactive Media Activity Interactivity: OSI Layer Devices This animation classifies networking devices by the OSI layer upon which they operate.

Interactive Media Activity Point and Click: From LAN to WLAN This activity shows a regular wired LAN.

Web Links Sizing Up Your WLAN http://www.80211-planet.com/tutorials/ article.php/992011