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Glossary of Wireless Networking Terms
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
LAN 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,
where it is unloaded onto a local system.
Base Station -
In mobile telecommunications, a base station is the central
radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications with the mobile
radiotelephone sets within its range. In cellular and personal
communications applications, each cell or micro-cell has its own base
station; each base station in turn is interconnected with other cells or
bases.
BSS -
BSS stands for Basic Service Set. It is comprised of an Access Point
and all the LAN PCs that are associated with it.
ESS -
ESS (ESS-ID, SSID) stands for Extended Service Set. More than one
BSS is configured to become an Extended Service Set. LAN mobile users
can roam between different BSSes in an ESS (ESS-ID, SSID).
Ethernet -
A popular local area data communications network, which
accepts transmission from computers and terminals. Ethernet operates on
a 10 or 100Mbps base band transmission rate, using a unshielded twisted
pair cable.
Infrastructure -
An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an
Infrastructure configuration.
