Networking glossary
ad hoc mode
A setting for a wireless device that lets it communicate directly with other wireless
devices without an access point or router
ad hoc network
A wireless network that does not use an access point
AutoIP address
An IP address automatically assigned by a network device. If the device is set to use
DHCP, but no DHCP server is available, an AutoIP address may be assigned by the
device.
BSS (Basic Service Set)
Basic Service Set describes the type of wireless network that you are using. The BSS
type can be one of the following: Infrastructure network or Ad-Hoc network.
channel
A specific radio frequency used by two or more wireless devices to communicate with
each other. All devices on the network must use the same channel.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol)
A language used by DHCP servers
DHCP IP address
An IP address automatically assigned by a DHCP server
DHCP server
A computer or router that gives a unique IP address to each device on the network.
Unique addresses prevent conflicts.
infrastructure mode
A setting for a wireless device that lets it communicate directly with other wireless
devices using an access point or router
installation cable
Connects the printer to the computer temporarily during some methods of installation.
internal wireless print server
A device that lets computers and printers talk to each other over a network without cables
IP (Internet Protocol) address
The network address of a computer or printer. Each device on the network has its own
network address. The address may be assigned manually by you (Static IP address),
automatically by the DHCP server (DHCP IP address), or automatically by the device
(AutoIP address).
ipconfig
A command that displays the IP address and other network information of a Windows
computer
MAC (Media Access Control) address
A hardware address that uniquely identifies each device on a network. You can usually
find the MAC address printed on the device.
MAC filtering
A method of limiting access to your wireless network by specifying which MAC addresses
may communicate on the network. This setting may be specified on wireless routers or
access points.
network adapter/card
A device that lets computers or printers talk to each other over a network
network hub
A device that connects multiple devices on a wired network
network name
See “SSID (Service Set Identifier)” on page 117
ping
A test to see if your computer can communicate with another device
printer nickname
The name you assign to your printer so that you and others can identify it on the network
router
A device that shares a single Internet connection with multiple computers or other
devices. The basic router controls network traffic.
security key
A password, such as a WEP key or a WPA pass phrase, used to make a network secure
signal strength
Measure of how strongly a transmitted signal is being received
SSID (Service Set Identifier)
The name of a wireless network. When you connect a printer to a wireless network, the
printer needs to use the same SSID as the network. Also referred to as network name
or BSS (Basic Service Set).
Static IP address
An IP address assigned manually by you
switch
A device similar to a network hub that can connect different networks together
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