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3 Continue following the on-screen instructions.
How are infrastructure and ad hoc networks different?
Wireless networks can operate in one of two modes: infrastructure or ad hoc.
In infrastructure mode, all devices on a wireless network communicate with each other through an access point
(wireless router).
In ad hoc mode, a computer with a wireless network adapter communicates directly with a printer equipped with a
wireless print server.
Infrastructure Ad hoc
Characteristics
Communication Through an access point Directly between devices
Security More security options WEP or no security
Range Determined by the range and
number of access points
Restricted to the range of individual
devices on the network
Speed Usually faster Usually slower
Requirements for all devices
Unique IP address for each device Yes Yes
Mode set to Infrastructure mode Ad hoc mode
Same SSID Yes, including the access point Yes
Same channel Yes, including the access point Yes
We recommend setting up a network in infrastructure mode using the installation software CD. Infrastructure mode
provides:
• Increased network security
• Increased reliability
• Faster performance
• Easier setup
Finding the signal strength
Wireless devices have built-in antennas that transmit and receive radio signals. The signal strength listed on the
printer network setup page indicates how strongly a transmitted signal is being received. Many factors can affect
the signal strength. One factor is interference from other wireless devices or other devices such as microwave ovens.
Another factor is distance. The farther two wireless devices are from each other, the more likely it is that the
communication signal will be weaker.
The strength of the signal received by your computer can also affect the connectivity of the printer with the network
during configuration. When you installed the wireless adapter in your computer, the adapter software probably
placed an icon in your system tray. Try double-clicking this icon, and it will tell you how strongly the computer is
receiving the wireless signal from the network.
To improve signal quality, remove sources of interference and/or move wireless devices closer to the wireless access
point (wireless router).
Networking
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