The different types of wireless LAN topologies are as follows:
- Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS): In this topology, Wi-Fi-compatible devices connect to each other without a wireless router or an access point:
![](https://static.packt-cdn.com/products/9781789340501/graphics/assets/093f3f2a-cb2a-4b67-9c5d-e3f27e3b8c1a.png)
- Basic Service Set (BSS): In a BSS configuration, also known as infrastructure mode, the end devices such as laptops connect to a wireless network through a wireless router or an access point. This is the method type for most WLAN setups:
![](https://static.packt-cdn.com/products/9781789340501/graphics/assets/ddbbbec1-8419-4d7e-946b-2c0b6b41e872.png)
- Extended Service Set (ESS): This configuration also uses the infrastructure mode, however, in this network layout, there are several wireless router/access points connected to the same LAN:
![](https://static.packt-cdn.com/products/9781789340501/graphics/assets/4890ff2f-b50a-442c-a7d2-71e95948c5f3.png)