If two laptops are exchanging data directly with each other using an IEEE 802.11g wireless connection, in which operating mode are they working?

Introduction / Context:
Wireless local area networks that use standards such as IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n can operate in different modes. Two of the most important modes are infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode. The question describes two laptops that are communicating directly with each other over 802.11g, with no mention of a wireless router or access point. You are asked to identify the correct mode for this situation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Two laptops have wireless network interfaces that support IEEE 802.11g.
• The laptops are exchanging data directly with each other.
• No access point, wireless router, or other infrastructure device is mentioned.
• The context is basic wireless networking terminology for exam preparation.

Concept / Approach:
In infrastructure mode, all wireless devices communicate through a central access point, which connects them to the rest of the network. In ad hoc mode, devices connect directly to each other, forming a peer to peer network called an Independent Basic Service Set. The key phrase in the question is that the laptops are exchanging data directly with each other, which strongly suggests ad hoc operation rather than infrastructure based communication.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Identify the entities in the scenario: there are only two laptops and no other wireless device is mentioned. 2. Recall that infrastructure mode requires a wireless access point that coordinates communication between clients. 3. Note the word directly in the question, which implies that the laptops send frames to each other without a central access point. 4. Match this description to the wireless networking modes. Ad hoc mode is defined as peer to peer communication between stations without infrastructure. 5. Select the option that uses the correct term and also describes the peer to peer behavior.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, remember that in ad hoc mode each station talks directly to other stations, and the coverage area is limited to the range of the participating devices. In contrast, infrastructure mode extends coverage through access points and may connect to wired networks. If we imagine this scenario in a home or office, two laptops using an 802.11g link without a wireless router would need to be configured for ad hoc or computer to computer mode in their wireless settings.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b is incorrect because infrastructure mode always involves an access point or wireless router, which is not present. Option c, extended service set mode, is a variation of infrastructure mode with multiple access points and roaming, also not described here. Option d, bridge mode, refers to a device that connects two network segments and does not describe two laptops communicating directly as peers.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse ad hoc mode with basic service set and extended service set terminology. Basic service set still typically refers to infrastructure mode with one access point. Another common mistake is to assume that any wireless communication automatically uses infrastructure mode, which is not true when devices are configured to connect directly without an access point.

Final Answer:
The laptops are operating in ad hoc mode, where they form a peer to peer wireless network without an access point.