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Network+ Exam

Wirless Network Types

October 29, 2025

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Wirless Network Types

Ad Hod/ Independent Basic Service Set (IBBS) - Network where devices connect directly to each other rather than through a central access point. Peer to peer netowrk.

Ad hod network does not typically provide internet access.

It can be good for file sharing.

Infrastructure wirless network - more organized setup whech devices are connected to the network therouh a wirelses access poijnt.

Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) - Set of the mac addresses of the wireless access point.

SSID (Service Set Identefier) : Common Alphanumeric name that users can use to serach for the network.

Extneded Servece Set (ESS)

Cresates a learget etwork that shares the same SSID to allow for eamless connectivity across a building.

Point - to point wirelss networks - connect two disting locations over long distances over distinct locating using high-gain antennas. point to point are highly efficent and offer dedicated bandwidth between two points.

Wirless Mesh Networks - versitle and resilient form of wireles snetworks

self - healing capability

large-scale deployments.

Data can take any path it wants.

1 ESS ocnfiguration in wireles snetworks that operates in infrastructure mode.

2 involves multiiple types of wirless networks to provide users to all operation to provide service to end users.

Inherent redundancy in a mesh network ensures that data can be reuted through alternate paths.

Autonoumous Access point. Standalone device that contains all the intelligence to handle wireles snetworking funcitons indepeindetly.

Lightwithgt acess point - multple access points connecting back to a centralized controller.

Wireless Networking Models & Terms (N10-009)

Ad Hoc / Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS)

  • Peer-to-peer wireless network (no AP).
  • Devices connect directly to each other.
  • Pros: Simple setup, file sharing.
  • Cons: No central management, usually no internet access.
  • Exam Tip: Remember "Ad Hoc = device to device."

Infrastructure Wireless Network

  • Organized setup with a Wireless Access Point (WAP).
  • Devices connect through the AP to the wired network and internet.
  • Most common in enterprise and home networks.

Identifiers

  • SSID (Service Set Identifier):
    • Alphanumeric name of the wireless network (what you see when searching Wi-Fi).
  • BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier):
    • The MAC address of the AP’s radio interface.
    • Unique identifier per AP.

Extended Service Set (ESS)

  • Multiple APs with the same SSID across an area (building/campus).
  • Provides seamless roaming for clients.
  • Example: Walking across a school campus, staying on "SchoolNet."

Point-to-Point Wireless Networks

  • Connects two distinct locations (e.g., buildings across a street).
  • Uses high-gain directional antennas.
  • Provides dedicated bandwidth, efficient for long-distance links.

Wireless Mesh Networks

  • Many APs interconnected.
  • Self-healing: If one AP fails, traffic reroutes automatically.
  • Scalable for large deployments (cities, disaster zones, military).
  • Inherent redundancy with multiple data paths.

Types of Access Points

  • Autonomous AP:
    • Standalone, manages its own configuration and traffic.
    • Good for small offices/home.
  • Lightweight AP:
    • Requires a centralized controller (WLAN controller).
    • Scales easily; used in enterprise environments.
    • Controller handles authentication, channel selection, and roaming.

✅ Must-Know Associations for Exam

  • IBSS → Ad hoc → no AP.
  • BSSID → AP MAC address.
  • SSID → Human-readable name.
  • ESS → Multiple APs, same SSID, seamless roaming.
  • Mesh → Redundant, resilient, self-healing.
  • Lightweight AP → Controller-based.
  • Autonomous AP → Standalone.

⚡ Quick Flashcard Drill:

Q: Which identifier is the MAC of the AP?

A: BSSID.

Q: Which mode enables seamless roaming?

A: ESS in infrastructure mode.

Q: Which AP type is standalone?

A: Autonomous AP.