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Appendix E: Glossary
Wireless-B Ethernet Bridge
PPPoE
(Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) - A type of broadband connection that provides authentication
(username and password) in addition to data transport.
PPTP
(Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) - A VPN protocol that allows the Point to Point Protocol (PPP) to be
tunneled through an IP network. This protocol is also used as a type of broadband connection in Europe.
Preamble
- Part of the wireless signal that synchronizes network traffic.
RJ-45
(Registered Jack-45) - An Ethernet connector that holds up to eight wires.
Roaming
- The ability to take a wireless device from one access point’s range to another without losing the
connection.
Router
- A networking device that connects multiple networks together, such as a local network and the Internet.
RTS
(Request To Send) - A packet sent when a computer has data to transmit. The computer will wait for a CTS
(Clear To Send) message before sending data.
Server
- Any computer whose function in a network is to provide user access to files, printing, communications,
and other services.
SMTP
(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - The standard e-mail protocol on the Internet.
SNMP
(Simple Network Management Protocol) - A widely used network monitoring and control protocol.
Software
- Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a particular task is called a
“program”.
Spread Spectrum
- Wideband radio frequency technique used for more reliable and secure data transmission.
SSID
(Service Set IDentifier) - Your wireless network’s name.
Static IP Address
- A fixed address assigned to a computer or device that is connected to a network.
Static Routing
- Forwarding data in a network via a fixed path.
Subnet Mask
- An address code that determines the size of the network.
Switch
- 1. Device that is the central point of connection for computers and other devices in a network, so data
can be shared at full transmission speeds. 2. A device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an
electrical circuit.