Ethernet:
A networking standard using cables (Category 5) to create a network.
Network Adapter:
Also known as a NIC (Network Interface Card). Used to provide PC’s or laptops with an Ethernet port or
wireless access to the network.
Broadband Modem:
A device that allows broadband connection to the internet. Broadband connections include speeds faster
than 56k (dial up modem speed). The two most common types of Broadband connections are DSL and Cable. Cable modem
relies on the bandwidth of cable television lines while DSL modems rely on the telephone lines operating at DSL speeds.
Router:
A device used to share internet access from one user to multiple users. By taking one IP address (Addresses used by
ISP’s to assign broadband services to your computer) the Router distributes the services of your broadband access among
multiple users and IP’s.
Wireless
IEEE 802.11 – Wireless Network Specifications
•
802.11
-- applies to wireless LANs (Networks) and provides 1 or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band using
either frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) or direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS).
•
802.11b
(also referred to as
802.11 High Rate
or
Wi-Fi
) -- an extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANs and
provides 11 Mbps transmission (with a fallback to 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band. 802.11b uses only DSSS.
802.11b was a 1999 ratification to the original 802.11 standard, allowing wireless functionality comparable to
Ethernet.
•
802.11g
-- applies to wireless LANs and provides 54 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band. Backwards compatible with IEEE
802.11b products.
ESSID:
A unique name identification for your wireless network. All wireless devices must have the same ID or else they will
not work together.
Channel:
A Channel that all Wireless devices communicate on. All Wireless devices on the network must be set on the same
channel to work.
WEP/WPA:
Wireless networking security protocols and standards, used to keep hackers from entering your wireless network.
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