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Understanding Infrastructure Mode in Wireless Networking

Ad hoc mode is the opposite of infrastructure mode

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 13, 2020 Tweet Share Email Spaces Images / Getty Images Tweet Share Email Home Networking Wi-Fi & Wireless The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading In computer networking, infrastructure mode allows a network to join devices together, either through a wired or wireless connection, using an access point such as a router. This centralization sets infrastructure mode apart from ad hoc mode.

Infrastructure Mode Network Requirements

Setting up an infrastructure mode network requires at least one wireless access point (AP). The AP and clients must be configured to use the same network name. The access point is cabled to the wired network to allow wireless clients access to resources such as the internet, printers, and some peripheral devices. APs can be added to this network to increase the reach of the infrastructure and support more wireless clients. Home networks with wireless routers support infrastructure mode automatically; these types of devices include built-in APs.

Infrastructure vs Ad Hoc Mode

Compared to ad hoc wireless networks, infrastructure mode offers the advantages of scale, centralized security management, and improved reach. Wireless devices can connect to resources on a wired local area network (LAN), which is common in business settings. More access points can be added to improve congestion and broaden the network's reach. The disadvantage of infrastructure mode wireless networks is the additional cost of AP hardware. Ad hoc networks connect to devices in a peer-to-peer (P2P) manner, so only the devices themselves are needed. No access points or routers are necessary for two or more devices to connect to each other. In short, infrastructure mode is typical for long-lasting or permanent implementations of a network. Homes, schools, and businesses do not usually use the P2P connections used in ad hoc mode because they're too decentralized to make sense in those situations. Ad hoc networks usually exist in short-lived moments in which some devices need to share files but are too far from a network to work. A small operating room in a hospital might configure an ad hoc network for some wireless devices to communicate with each other, but they're all still disconnected from that network, and the files are inaccessible. If just a few devices need to communicate with each other, however, an ad hoc network will work fine. One limitation of ad hoc networks is that, at some point, the hardware won't be able to accommodate the traffic. That makes infrastructure mode necessary. Many Wi-Fi devices work only in infrastructure mode. These include wireless printers, Google Chromecast, and some Android devices. In those circumstances, set up infrastructure mode to enable those devices; the devices themselves must connect through an access point. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Can I Share Dial Up Internet Service Over a Wireless Network? Wired vs. Wireless Networking Ad-Hoc Wireless Network Setup How to Share Internet Access What Is an Ad Hoc Wireless Network? 10 Ways to Fix a Wireless Adapter or Access Point Error Message Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? How to Connect Two Routers on a Home Network How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista Understanding Ad-Hoc Mode in Networking How to Connect Two Home Computers Through a Network Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips Share an Internet Connection in Windows Network Interface Cards Explained Get Better Wi-Fi: Here's The Best Place for Your Wireless Router How Many Devices Can One Wireless Router Handle? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies