WAP-1000 User’s Guide
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Appendix C Glossary
Access Point
- An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks.
Ad-Hoc
- An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers each with WireFree adapters,
connected as an independent wireless LAN.
Backbone
- The core infrastructure of a network. The portion of the network that transports
information from one central location to another central location where it is off-loaded onto a
local system.
Base Station
-
In mobile telecommunications, a base station is the central radio transmitter/receiver
that maintains communications with the mobile radio telephone sets within range. In
cellular and personal communications applications, each cell or microcell has its own base
station; each base station in turn is interconnected with other cells’ base.
Bridge
- An internetworking function that incorporates the lowest 2 layers of the OSI network
protocol model.
BSS
- Stands for “Basic Service Set,” an Access Point and all the WireFree PCs that associated with
it.
ESS
- Stands for “Extended Service Set.” More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended
Service Set. WireFree mobile users can roam between BSS in an ESS.
Ethernet
- A popular local area data communications network, originally developed by Xerox Corp.,
which accepts transmission from computers and terminals. Ethernet operates on 10 Mbps
baseband transmission over shielded coaxial cable or over shielded twisted pair telephone
wire.
Infrastructure
- An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration.
PCMCIA
- Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, which develops standards
for PC cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards, are available in three “types” which are
about the same length and width as credit cards, but range in thickness from 3.3 mm (Type I)
to 5.0 mm (Type II) to 10.5 mm (Type III). These cards can be used for many functions,
including memory storage, landline modems and wireless modems.
Roaming
- A WireFree mobile user moves around an ESS and get the continuous connection to the
Infrastructure network.
