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Local Area Network (LAN):
A LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with the appropriate
network adaptor card connected by cable that share applications, data and peripherals. All
connections are made via cable, but a LAN does not use telephone services. It typically spans a
single building.
MAC address:
Every network device has its own specific MAC address hard-coded into it. This
unique identifier can be used to provide security for networks.
NAT:
Network Address Translation enables a local area network (LAN) to use one set of IP
addresses for internal traffic and a second set of IP addresses for external traffic. This feature is
used so that an end user can have an internal computer network in their home, with all its computers
using internal IP addresses, using only one routable IP address, which accesses the outside
(Internet).
Network:
A network is a system of computers connected to one another. Data, files, and messages
can be transmitted over this network. Networks may be local or wide area networks.
PCMCIA:
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. A PCMCIA card is also
referred to as a PC Card. PCMCIA cards are usually used with notebooks.
Peer-to-peer network:
A wireless or wired network that has no server, access point, hub or router.
All the networked PCs are connected directly to one another and are equally able to act as a network
server or client.
Protocol:
A protocol is a standardized set of rules that specify how a conversation is to take place,
including the format, timing, sequencing and error checking.
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.
Range:
The range is a measure of how far your wireless network will stretch.
Roaming:
In an infrastructure network, this is when a wireless PC moves out of range of the
previously connected access point and connects to a newly connected access point. Throughout the
network environment where access points are deployed, PCs can always be connected regardless
of where they are located.
Router:
A device in a packet-switched computer network that directs and controls the flow of data
through the network.
Server:
A computer that provides its resources to other computers and devices on a network. These
include print servers, Internet servers and data servers.
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.
SSID:
A Network ID unique to a network. Only clients and Access Points that share the same SSID
are able to communicate with each other. This string is case-sensitive. A device will not be permitted
to join the BSS unless it can provide the unique SSID. Because an SSID can be sniffed in plain text
from a packet, it does not supply any security to the network.
