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245U-E Wireless Ethernet Modem User Manual
117
Rev Version 2.24
MAC Address
Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique code that is permanently assigned
to most forms of networking hardware. 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.
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.
Server
A computer that provides its resources to other computers and devices on a
network. These include print servers, Internet servers, and data servers. A server
can also be combined with a hub or router.
Site Survey
The process whereby a wireless network installer inspects a location prior to
installing a wireless network. Site surveys are used to identify the radio- and client-
use properties of a facility so that access points can be optimally placed.
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is an encryption scheme commonly used by many online
retail and banking sites to protect the financial integrity of transactions. When an
SSL session begins, the server sends its public key to the browser. The browser then
sends a randomly generated secret key back to the server in order to have a secret
key exchange for that session
Sub Network or Subnet
Found in larger networks, these smaller networks are used to simplify addressing
between numerous computers. Subnets connect together through a router.
Switch
A type of hub that efficiently controls the way multiple devices use the same
network so that each can operate at optimal performance. A switch acts as a
networks traffic cop. Rather than transmitting all the packets it receives to all ports
as a hub does, a switch transmits packets to only the receiving port.
