They can take equal part in the conversation, raising their hand when they want to speak so the others will listen. Not all devices use this mode, and some have it as a вЂњhiddenвЂќ feature.ДЄd-Hoc devices are used to create a Mesh network, so when they are in this mode, they are called вЂњMesh NodesвЂќ.ДЄn Ad-Hoc or Mesh node is similar to an individual in a group or roundtable discussion. In an Ad-Hoc network, every device must be in this role, and using the same configuration to participate. This forms a different type of network - in Ad-Hoc mode, all devices are responsible for sending and receiving messages to the other devices - without anything else in between. This allows those devices to connect together directly, without an Access Point in-between controlling the connection. Some wireless devices (laptops, smart phones, or wireless routers) support a mode called Ad-Hoc. Those audience members can ask questions of the person on the stage, and receive a response. There are also some APs that are weatherproof, designed to be mounted outdoors.ДЄn Access Point is similar to a person on stage, addressing an audience or crowd - they are providing the information for everyone else. APs can cover a range of areas with a wireless signal, depending on the power of the device and the type of antenna. When a router is set up as an AP, it is said to be in вЂњMasterвЂќ or вЂњInfrastructureвЂќ mode.ДЄn AP is sometimes a stand-alone device that bridges between a wireless and wired (Ethernet) network, or is part of a router. If you use Wi-Fi in your home or office, it is most likely through an Access Point. Most wireless networks are made using Access Points - devices that host and control the wireless connection for laptops, tablets, or smart phones. They are one of several or many people accessing information through the same conduit - someone speaking.

This can bridge two Ethernet networks, or connect to more distant APs.ДЄ Wireless Client is similar to a person in the audience of a play or movie. Some routers can operate as Clients as well, which allows them to act like the wireless card in a computer, and connect to other Access Points. This client mode is also known as вЂњstation modeвЂќ as well. When you are accessing a wireless hotspot, or the router in your home or office, your device is the client. The three wireless roles are:Дevices such as computers, tablets, and phones are common Clients on a network. These routers are defined in Learn Networking Basics, but for the sake of this document the quick definition of a router is a network device that can connect one network to another, determine what traffic can pass between them, and perform other functions on a network, such as assigning IP addresses. In addition to the phones, tablets, and laptops you use in accessing a network, routers make up the hardware that runs the network. In discussing these modes and the examples below, several types of devices are used. How the devices are configured depends on the types of connections you want to use between parts of the network. These modes define the role a Wi-Fi device has in the network, and networks must be built out of combinations of devices operating in these different modes. There are three major вЂњmodesвЂќ a Wi-Fi device can use. Working through the activities, or diving deeper into the subject with a group may take longer. Reading through this material should take about 30 to 45 minutes. It provides some necessary background information for this document. Reading and working through Learn Wireless Basics before this document will help you with some of the concepts used in designing wireless networks. Using the knowledge and activities in this document, you can work with others to design the wireless network that works best for your community. To help you understand these different methods for designing networks, this document covers the basics of what different devices do in wireless networks, and how they can be used in different configurations. Community Wireless Networks can be designed in many ways.

Ethernet to wireless blocking