Wireless local area networks use ad hoc and infrastructure modes to connect devices. Ad hoc mode is best for small home networks, while infrastructure mode requires an access point and is better for large networks. Infrastructure mode supports more features and encryption methods but is slower and more expensive to set up.
Ad hoc and infrastructure modes are used by wireless local area networks to connect devices to networks. While both modes allow computers and devices to connect to each other over a wireless network, infrastructure mode requires the use of an access point for this communication to take place. Ad hoc mode, on the other hand, uses a direct computer-to-computer connection and is best suited for small home networks. Ad hoc mode involves connecting one computer directly to another computer, so it is often called a peer-to-peer network.
Ad-hoc and infrastructure modes differ greatly in network configuration. In an ad hoc network, each device’s network adapter communicates directly with other devices through the use of software. This software may be included with your device’s operating system or purchased from a third party. This provides a cheaper and faster way to connect than using infrastructure mode. Another benefit of an ad hoc network is that connection speeds can be significantly faster than when using a wireless accent point with infrastructure mode.
Infrastructure networks consist of the devices on the network and the wireless access point or wireless router. Each device must connect to the access point before it can access other computers on the network. While both ad hoc and infrastructure networks can provide a secure connection, infrastructure mode supports various encryption methods. Additional security features allow the use of passwords and allow computers to connect by checking a device’s Media Access Control (MAC) address.
Another difference between ad hoc and infrastructure networks concerns expandability. The access point used with infrastructure mode can support multiple clients on both wireless and wired networks. The direct connection method used with ad hoc mode is prone to interference and is not useful for a large corporate network. Also, ad hoc mode doesn’t support wireless clients, so all computers will need wireless adapters. Wireless access points used in infrastructure mode can also support additional features, including Internet sharing, roaming, and the ability to expand a network using multiple access points.
While infrastructure mode is generally more useful than ad hoc mode, wireless access points add cost and take more time to set up the network initially. Another downside is that your network speed will be slower than an ad hoc network because the data has to travel to the access point before reaching another computer. Large networks usually benefit from using infrastructure mode anyway.
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