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VPN - Virtual Private Network
A secure private network that runs over the public Internet. Commonly used to connect
to an office network from elsewhere.
VPN Pass through
A feature that allows a client to connect to a VPN server.
WAN - Wide Area Network
A public network that extends beyond architectural, geographical, or political boundaries
(unlike a LAN, which is usually a private network located within a room, building, or other
limited area).
WCDMA - Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access
A 3G mobile wireless technology that promises much higher data speeds to mobile and
portable wireless devices. Another name for UMTS.
WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy
An IEEE standard security protocol for 802.11 networks. Superseded by WPA and WPA2.
Wi-Fi - Wireless Fidelity
Any system that uses the 802.11 standard developed and released in 1997 by the IEEE
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
Wi-Fi Client
A wireless device that connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
WLAN - Wi-Fi LAN
A typically low-power network that transmits a wireless signal over a span of a few
hundred feet and usually only to stationary devices.
WPA/WPA2
—
Wi-Fi Protected Access
A security protocol for wireless 802.11 networks from the Wi-Fi Alliance.
WWAN
—
Wireless Wide Area Network
Wireless network technologies deployed over a large geographical area to a large number
of users (see WLAN). This service is usually provided through cellular providers. WWAN
connectivity allows a user with a laptop and a WWAN device to surf the Internet, check
email, or connect to a virtual private network (VPN) from anywhere within the regional
boundaries of the cellular service.
