Glossary
Access Point
- An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless
networks together.
Ad-Hoc
- An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers each with wireless adapters,
connected as an independent wireless LAN.
Authentication Type
- Select Open System or Shared Key Authentication Type:
•
Open system:
With this setting any station in the WLAN can associate with an AP and
receive and transmit data (null authentication).
•
Shared Key: With this setting only stations using a shared key encryption identified by
the AP are allowed to associate with it.
•
Both: With this setting stations communicate with the AP either with or without data
encryption.
Backbone
- The core infrastructure of a network, the portion of the network that transports
information from one central location to another central location. The information then is
off-loaded onto a local system.
Bit
- A binary digit. The value - 0 or 1 used in the binary numbering system. Also, the smallest
form of data.
BSS
- Stands for Basic Service Set. An Access Point in a BSS is associated with several client
stations.
Domain
- A sub-network comprised of a group of clients and servers under the control of one
security database. Dividing LANs into domains improves performance and security.
DSSS
- Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum is the most widely known and used spread
spectrum modulation mechanism, owing most of its popularity to its ease of implementation
and high data rates.
Encryption
- A security method that applies a specific algorithm to data in order to alter the
data appearance and prevent other devices from reading the information without access right.
ESS
- Stands for Extended Service Set. More than one BSS can be configured as an
Extended Service Set. An ESS is basically a roaming domain.
Ethernet
- A popular local area data communications network, originally developed by Xerox
Corp. Ethernet operates on 10 Mbps baseband transmission over shielded coaxial cable or
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