Appendix C Glossary
Access Point
Access points are way stations in a wireless LAN that are connected to an Ethernet hub or server. Users
can roam within the range of access points and their wireless device connections are passed from one
access point to the next.
Authentication
Authentication refers to the verification of a transmitted message's integrity.
DMZ
DMZ (DeMilitarized Zone) is a part of an network that is located between a secure LAN and an insecure
WAN. DMZ provides a way for some clients to have unrestricted access to the Internet.
Beacon Interval
Refers to the interval between packets sent by access points for the purposes of synchronizing wireless
LANs.
DHCP
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) software automatically assigns IP addresses to client
stations logging onto a TCP/IP network, which eliminates the need to manually assign permanent IP
addresses.
DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS converts machine names to the IP addresses that all
machines on the net have. It translates from name to address and from address to name.
Domain Name
The domain name typically refers to an Internet site address.
Filter
Filters are schemes which only allow specified data to be transmitted. For example, the router can filter
specific IP addresses so that users cannot connect to those addresses.
Firewall
Firewalls are methods used to keep networks secure from malicious intruders and unauthorized access.
Firewalls use filters to prevent unwanted packets from being transmitted. Firewalls are typically used to
provide secure access to the Internet while keeping an organization's public Web server separate from
the internal LAN.
Firmware
Firmware refers to memory chips that retain their content without electrical power (for example, BIOS
ROM). The router firmware stores settings made in the interface.
Fragmentation
Refers to the breaking up of data packets during transmission.
FTP
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FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used to transfer files over a TCP/IP network, and is typically used for
