Networking / Beginners

Types of Networks

The basic building block of an 802.11 network is the basic service set (BSS), which is simply a group of stations that communicate with each other. Communications take place within a somewhat fuzzy area, called the basic service area, defined by the propagation characteristics of the wireless medium. When a station is in the basic service area, it can communicate with the other members of the BSS. BSSs come in two flavors, both of which are illustrated in Figure below.

All of the wireless media used will propagate in three dimensions. From that perspective, the service area should perhaps be called the service volume. However, the term area is widely used and accepted.

Independent and infrastructure BSSs
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In this tutorial:

  1. 802.11 Networks
  2. IEEE 802 Network Technology Family Tree
  3. Nomenclature and Design
  4. Types of Networks
  5. Independent networks
  6. Infrastructure networks
  7. Extended service areas
  8. Multi-BSS environments: "virtual APs"
  9. Robust security networks (RSNs)
  10. The Distribution System, Revisited
  11. Interaccess point communication as part of the distribution system
  12. Wireless bridges and the distribution system
  13. Network Boundaries
  14. 802.11 Network Operations
  15. Network Services
  16. Station services
  17. Distribution system services
  18. Confidentiality and access control
  19. Spectrum management services
  20. Mobility Support
  21. Designing Networks for Mobility