Wireless LANs can accommodate various network topologies. The 802.11 standard identifies two main wireless topology modes:
- Ad hoc mode - When two devices connect wirelessly without the aid of an infrastructure device, such as a wireless router or AP. Examples include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct.
- Infrastructure mode - When wireless clients interconnect via a wireless router or AP, such as in WLANs. APs connect to the network infrastructure using the wired distribution system (DS), such as Ethernet.
Figure 1 displays an example of ad hoc mode and Figure 2 displays an example of infrastructure mode.