<P> There are two types of BSS: Independent BSS (also referred to as IBSS), and infrastructure BSS . An independent BSS (IBSS) is an ad hoc network that contains no access points, which means they cannot connect to any other basic service set . </P> <P> An IBSS is a set of STAs configured in ad hoc (peer - to - peer) mode . </P> <P> An extended service set (ESS) is a set of connected BSSs . Access points in an ESS are connected by a distribution system . Each ESS has an ID called the SSID which is a 32 - byte (maximum) character string . </P> <P> A distribution system (DS) connects access points in an extended service set . The concept of a DS can be used to increase network coverage through roaming between cells . </P>

2 modes of operation for ieee 802.11 based wireless networks