Wireless Network Topology

• Two different modes wireless network operates are:

• Infrastructure Mode

  • Most common type of wireless network

  • Requires centralized management

  • Uses a wireless access point as a centralized point like a start topology

  • Supports wireless security controls

• Ad Hoc Mode

  • Decentralized wireless network

  • No routers or access points are required

  • Forwarding decisions for data on the network are made dynamically

  • Allows creation/joining of networks "on-the-fly"

  • Creates P2P connections

• Wireless Mesh Topology

  • Interconnection of different types of nodes or devices

  • Consists of clients, routers, and gateways

  • Utilizes different radio frequencies to extent and expand access

  • Reliable and redundant connections