G
L O S S A R Y
This glossary provides definitions for some technical terms related to local area networks.
10BaseRadio
™
Developed by RadioLAN, a technology that manages the wireless network
ensuring reliable, high-speed networking.
10BaseT
IEEE 802.3 established this standard for Ethernet over unshielded twisted-
pair wiring. This standard uses the same wiring styles as modern telephone
systems. 10BaseT is based on a topology in which each node is connected
to a network hub (central wiring center), with a cable-length limitation of
325 feet (100 meters).
Access Point
A station that allows the passage of frames from the wireless network to a
hard-wired LAN.
Adapter Card
An interface card that installs inside the computer. The adapter card connects
the Transceiver to the computer. It also stores the station’s configuration pro-
gramming.
Base Address
An exact location in memory where information or program instructions are
stored.
Bridge
A device used to connect different networks together, allowing multiple net-
works to communicate with one another.
Buttons
A screen object that launches a routine such as: causing the program to
display another screen, exiting the program, or saving information from
the program.
Check Boxes
A screen object which allows the user to select an option.
CSMA/CA
Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance. A base-band protocol
with a built-in collision-avoidance technique. Each network node listens
before transmitting, then transmits only when the data carrier is free from
traffic. If two nodes send data at exactly the same time and a collision
occurs, each node retransmits the data. To avoid another collision, each of
the nodes waits for a different random length of time before attempting to
send data again.
Data Range
The maximum distance between stations in which data can still be received
at Ethernet speeds.
Device Driver
Software that acts as an interface between the operating system and an add
on device.
DMA
Direct Memory Access. A method of moving information from a device, such
as a hard disk, into memory without using the resources of the main proces-
sor for the transfer.
Drop-down list box
A screen object that allows the user to select an item from other items pre-
sented in a list.
EEPROM
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. A memory chip that
allows data to be recorded and erased by electrical signals.
Entry Fields
A screen object that allows the user to make entries into a program.
ESD
Electrostatic discharge. Minute amounts of electricity, usually caused by a
static buildup, which can damage electronic components.
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