Where can I find info explaining all the diiferent modes ?

(Plagerized from one of my postings and my bookmarks file.)

Various 802.11_ protocols:

Various topologies. topologies shown revolve around the YDI/Terrabeam product line, but cover most (not all) possible configurations. Note that a mixed infrastructure/bridge WDS network is not shown, which is becoming all too common. Same with a mesh network and an ad-hoc network.

Mesh and ad-hoc network topologies are essentially similar and appear to be somewhat arbitrary and random. Well, actually, they are arbitrary and random. Kinda difficult to draw a sane topology diagram. See:

a typical example. Any semblance to spaghetti is strictly coincidental. The major distinction is the mesh network routing protocol.

802.11 Data frames and such: the various links for details.

WDS (Wireless Distribution Service):

IEEE 802.11 docs. will turn you brain to mush. Careful. Does not cover the various 802.11g enhancements (Turbo-G, Afterburner, Super-G, etc).

Wireless Security:

not exactly for beginners, but offers a wide selection of references.

Some web piles worth visiting for white papers, papers, FAQ's, and tutorials.

The best introduction to wireless networking is Engst and Fleishman's Wireless Networking Starter Kit .

Cheers, book looks good, ordered from Amazon.

And currently reading thru some of the links you posted.

Thanks.