www.cooperbussmann.com/wirelessresources
Cooper Bussmann 945U-E Wireless Ethernet Modem & Device Server User Manual
97
Rev Version 2.14
Term
Definition
IPX-SPX
Internetwork Packet Exchange, is a networking protocol used by the Novell
NetWare
®
operating systems. Like UDP/IP, IPX is a datagram protocol used for
connectionless communications. Higher-level protocols, such as Sequenced
Packet Exchange (SPX) and NCP, are used for additional error recovery services.
SPX is a transport layer protocol (layer 4 of the OSI Model) used in Novell Netware
networks. The SPX layer sits on top of the IPX layer (layer 3) and provides
connection-oriented services between two nodes on the network. SPX is used
primarily by client/server applications.
ISDN
A type of broadband Internet connection that provides digital service from the
customer’s premises to the dial-up telephone network. ISDN uses standard POTS
copper wiring to deliver voice, data, or video.
ISO Network Model
A network model developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO) that
consists of seven different levels, or layers. By standardizing these layers, and the
interfaces in between, different portions of a given protocol can be modified or
changed as technologies advance or systems requirements are altered. The seven
layers are Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and
Application.
LAN
Local Area Network (LAN) is a system of connecting PCs and other devices within
the same physical proximity for sharing resources such as an Internet connections,
printers, files, and drives.
Receive Sensitivity
The minimum signal strength required to pick up a signal. Higher bandwidth
connections usually have less receive sensitivity than lower bandwidth connections.
Router
A device that forwards data from one WLAN or wired local area network to another.
SNR
Signal to noise ratio (SNR) is the number of decibels difference between the signal
strength and background noise.
Transmit Power
The power at which the wireless devices transmits, usually expressed in mW or
dBm.
MAC Address
Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique code assigned to most forms
of networking hardware. The address is permanently assigned to the hardware,
so limiting a wireless network’s access to hardware (such as wireless cards) is
a security feature employed by closed wireless networks. But an experienced
hacker armed with the proper tools can still figure out an authorized MAC address,
masquerade as a legitimate address, and access a closed network.
Every wireless 802.11 device has its own specific MAC address hard-coded into
it. This unique identifier can be used to provide security for wireless networks.
When a network uses a MAC table, only the 802.11 radios that have had their MAC
addresses added to that network’s MAC table will be able to get onto the network.
NAT
Network address translation (NAT) is a network capability that enables a number of
computers to dynamically share a single incoming IP address from a dial-up, cable
or xDSL connection. NAT takes the single incoming IP address and creates new IP
address for each client computer on the network.
NIC
Network interface card (NIC) is a type of PC adapter card that either works without
wires (Wi-Fi) or attaches to a network cable to provide two-way communication
between the computer and network devices such as a hub or switch. Most office
wired NICs operate at 10 Mbps (Ethernet), 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) or 10/100
Mbps dual speed. High-speed Gigabit and 10 Gigabit NIC cards are also available.
See PC Card.
Proxy Server
Used in larger companies and organizations to improve network operations and
security, a proxy server is able to prevent direct communication between two
or more networks. The proxy server forwards allowable data requests to remote
servers and/or responds to data requests directly from stored remote server data.
RJ-45
Standard connectors used in Ethernet networks. RJ-45 connectors are similar to
standard RJ-11 telephone connectors, but RJ-45 connectors can have up to eight
wires, whereas telephone connectors have four.