Sonnet Aria extreme 54 Mbps Wireless LAN, User Manual

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Glossary
802.11 802.11 refers to a family of specifications developed by the IEEE for wireless LAN
technology. 802.11 specifies an over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a
base station or between two wireless clients.
Access Point An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks.
Access Points combined with a distributed system support the creation of multiple radio
cells that enable roaming throughout a facility.
Ad-Hoc
(Peer-to-Peer)
An 802.11 networking framework in which devices or stations communicate directly
with each other, without the use of an Access Point (AP). Ad-hoc mode is useful for
establishing a network where wireless infrastructure does not exist or where wired
network services are not required.
Ad-hoc mode is also referred to as peer-to-peer mode
or an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS).
Bit A bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest unit of data in a computer. A bit has a single
binary, either 0 or 1.
BSS Basic Service Set. In a network where an AP is connected to wired network and is
associates with a set of wireless stations, it is referred to as a BSS.
ESS Extended Service Set. An Extended Service Set (ESS) is a set of two or more BSSs that
form a single network. It’s basically a roaming wireless network.
Default Gateway The address used to forward all traffic that is not addressed to a station within a local
subnet.