IEEE 802.11 networks can be configured in two main topologies: 1) An Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) is an ad-hoc network with at least two wireless stations but no infrastructure. 2) An Extended Service Set (ESS) is a larger infrastructure network with multiple Basic Service Sets interconnected by access points and a distribution system. IEEE 802.11 networks can operate in either infrastructure mode, with an access point, or ad-hoc mode without an access point where clients communicate directly.