When do i need to use the network access point if iam using a wireless
network and in what coditions (for how many users if iam using in
about 5 connect computers)?

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Request for Question Clarification by funkywizard-ga on 12 Nov 2002 20:31 PST

Given the way you have worded your question, it would be difficult for
a researcher to know exactly what you need to know. Would you like to
know wether or not you need to invest in a wireless access point in
order to utilize wireless networking for your computer, or are you
wondering something else about access points? Any clarification would
be helpful.

If you already have a wireless network in the adhoc
mode(peer-to-peer),
do not benefit much from the access point, except under the following
circumstances:
If only one of the computers is connected to the internet and is being
shared by others through a proxy software on that computer.  In this
case
the if all the others try connecting to the internet, there is a
possible
bottleneck.  Also if the computer is down, the internet access will be
lost.
Now coming to the access point:
The accesspoint provides a central point of control.  It makes
managing your
wireless network easier and provides a better coverage for multiple
clients
if the access point serves as a router to the internet.  If there is
mostly
client to client interaction associated with large data transfers, it
may not
be effecient.  Also with access points the network is more scalable as
the
number of users increase(you could provide up to three overlapping
access point
coverage areas with non overlapping channels to increase the total
bandwidth
to 33mbps for 802.11b network).  Also Accesspoints on the same subnet
and same
ESSID(network id) allow seamless roaming of the clients between the
access points.  Let me know, if you need any specific information.