To better understand how the various AirConnect products work together to create a wireless network, it might be helpful to depict a few of the possible AirConnect network topologies. The topology used in a particular environment depends on many factors, such as the functionality of the AP in the network, or desired data transfer rates. Your AirConnect network topology will probably resemble one of the following scenarios, or perhaps a combination of two or more.
The simplest AirConnect topology consists of one AP providing a single-cell network for wireless clients. In this scenario, as shown in the following figure, the wireless clients (laptop and desktop computers with the AirConnect NIC installed) communicate through the AP on a peer-to-peer network. The clients can be moved anywhere within the coverage area of the AP, and still communicate with each other. The AP in this instance serves the same purpose as a stand-alone network hub, and is not connected to any other network segments.
In this scenario, as shown in the figure below, Multiple APs can coexist as separate networks at the same site without interference using different network identifiers (wireless LAN service areas). The wireless clients can move within the coverage area of one AP and remain connected, or can roam (if configured to do so) to the coverage area of a different AP, and communicate with the wireless clients associated with that AP.
Another possible AirConnect topology is a single AP bridging an Ethernet and wireless network. As shown in the next figure, the AP, wired to a network server or LAN through an Ethernet cable, serves as a network node and provides the link between the server and the wireless clients. The wireless clients can move freely throughout the coverage area of the AP while remaining connected to the server.
This network topology will be used in most enterprise environments: multiple APs wired to an existing LAN to provide complete wireless network coverage. In this scenario, as shown in the next figure, wireless clients can roam seamlessly between different coverage areas and remain connected to the network.