802.11 - A standard for wireless local area
networks (WLAN) developed by a working
group of the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
802.11a - An international IEEE
standard for WLAN networks, operating at 5
GHz and providing 54Mbps. Range up to 30m.
802.11b - An international IEEE
standard for WLAN networks, operating at 2.4
GHz and providing 11 Mbps. Range up to 100m.
802.11g - An international IEEE
standard for WLAN networks, operating at 2.4
GHz and providing 54Mbps. Range up to
100m.
Access Point - A transceiver or radio
component in a wireless LAN that acts as the
transfer point between wired and wireless
signal, and vice versa. The Access Point
(AP) is connected
to antennas as well as to the wired LAN
system.
Ad-Hoc Network - An Ad-Hoc wireless
LAN is a group of computers each with
wireless adapters, connected as an
independent wireless LAN.
Bridge - A device which connects two
or more networks.
Domain Name Server (DNS) - The server
where host names are translated to their IP
address. This server is used on the internet
and some private networks.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
- A protocol for assigning dynamic IP
addresses to devices on a network. In some
systems, the device's IP address can even
change while it is still connected.
Firewall - Any software program or
hardware device designed to prevent
computers on a network from communicating
directly with external computer systems by
filtering the information coming through the
Internet connection into your private
network or computer system . A Firewall
keeps hackers out and personal data in by
acting as a barrier through which all
information passing between the network or
computer and external systems must pass.
Hot Spot - A hotspot is a public
location such as an airport, shopping mall
or conference center that has readily
accessible wireless networks, usually
802.11b or 802.11a.
Media Access
Control Address (MAC Address) - The
unique physical address of each device's
network interface card.
Repeater - A device used in a network
to strengthen a signal as it is passed along
the network cable.
Router - An active network component
that connects one network to another
network. Routers work with packets that
include logical addressing information.
Service Set Identifier (SSID) -
Service set identifier. A unique identifier
that stations must use to be able to
communicate with an access point. The SSID
can be any alphanumeric entry up to a
maximum of 32 characters.
SSID Broadcasting - To “announce” the
Access Points presence by broadcasting the
SSID.
Transmission Control
Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) -
The protocols, or conventions, that
computers use to communicate over the
Internet.
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) - a
system to secure Wi-Fi networks, intended to
replace the current, less secure WEP (Wired
Equivalent Privacy) system. Part of the IEEE
802.11i standard.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) - an encryption system that encrypts data
on wireless networks that can only be read
by authorized users with the correct
decryption key.
Wireless Fidelity (WI-FI) - another name for IEEE 802.11b. A wireless
networking technology for PCs and PDAs that
allows multiple devices to share a single
high-speed Internet connection over a
distance of about 300 feet.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) -
A wireless LAN is one in which a mobile user
can connect to a local area network (LAN)
through a wireless (radio) connection.
Wireless Network - A network in which
data is transmitted without wires,
increasing mobility of the user and their
access to data.
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