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MAC Address
A MAC address, short for Media Access Control 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: A network capability that enables
a houseful 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
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 Mbit/s (Ethernet), 100 Mbit/s (Fast Ethernet) or
10/100 Mbit/s 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. Even though
they look very similar to standard RJ-11 telephone connectors,
RJ-45 connectors can have up to eight wires, whereas telephone
connectors have only four.
Server
A computer that provides its resources to other computers and
devices on a network. These include print servers, Internet serv-
ers 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 putting in 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.