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Appendix B Glossary
Access Point
-
An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks together.
Ad-Hoc
-
An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers each with wireless 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 central location. The information is then off-loaded onto a local system.
Base Station
-
In mobile telecommunication, a base station is the central radio transmitter/ receiver that
maintains communication with the mobile radio telephone sets within range. In cellular and personal
communications applications, each cell or microcell has its own base station; each base station in turn
is interconnected with other cells’ base.
BSS
-
Stands for “Basic Service Set.” An Access Point associated with several wireless stations.
ESS
-
Stands for “Extended Service Set.” More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set. An
ESS is basically a roaming domain.
Ethernet
-
A popular local area data communications network, originally developed by Xerox Corp., which
accepts transmission from computers and terminals. Ethernet operates on 10 Mbps baseband
transmission over shielded coaxial cable or over shielded twisted pair telephone wire.
Infrastructure
-
An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration.
PCMCIA
-
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, which develops standards for PC cards,
formerly known as PCMCIA cards, are available in three “types” which are about the same length and
width as credit cards, but range in thickness from 3.3 mm (Type I) to 5.0 mm (Type II) to 10.5 mm (Type
III). These cards can be used for many functions, including memory storage, as landline modems and
as wireless LAN
.
Roaming
-
A function that allows one to travel with a mobile end system (wireless LAN mobile station, for
example) through the territory of a domain (an ESS, for example) while continuously connecting to the
infrastructure.
RTS Threshold
– Transmitters contending for the medium may not hear each other. RTS/CTS mechanism can
solve this “ Hidden Node Problem”.
