Appendix
C
–
Glossary
Access
Point
A base station in a WLAN that act as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals.
Ad
Hoc
Network
A short-term WLAN framework created between two or more WLAN adapters, without going
through an Access Point. An ad hoc network lets computers send data directly to and from one
another. For an ad hoc network to work, each computer on the network needs a WLAN card
installed configured for Ad Hoc mode.
Antenna
A device that sends and receives radio-frequency (RF) signals. Often camouflaged on existing
buildings, trees, water towers or other tall structures, the size and shape of antennas are generally
determined by the frequency of the signal they manage.
Authentication
A process that verifies the identity of a wireless device or end-user. A common form of
authentication is to verify identities by checking a user name and password to allow network
access.
Backbone
A
high
‐
speed
line
or
series
of
connections
that
form
a
major
pathway
within
a
network.
Bandwidth
The
part
of
the
frequency
spectrum
required
to
transmit
desired
information.
Each
radio
channel
has
a
center
frequency
and
additional
frequencies
above
and
below
this
carrier
frequency
that
carry
the
transmitted
information.
The
range
of
frequencies
from
the
lowest
to
the
highest
used
is
called
the
bandwidth.
Bridge
A wireless device that connects multiple networks that are physically separate or use different
media, but which use similar standards.
Bridge
Mode
An
Access
Pointy
in
bridge
mode
can
operate
as
a
WLAN
bridge
that
connects
two
wired
network
segments.
The
peer
device
also
must
be
in
bridge
mode.
This
wireless
bridge
connection
is
equivalent
to
a
Wireless
Distribution
System
(WDS).
CHAP
Challenge
Handshake
Authentication
Protocol.
An
alternative
protocol
that
uses
a
challenge/response
technique
instead
of
sending
passwords
over
the
wire.
Collision
Interference resulting from two network devices sending data at the same time. The network
