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6.2 Glossary
Access Point
An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks.
Access points combined with a distributed system support the creation of multiple
radio cells that enable roaming throughout a facility. In Macintosh terms, Access
Point is also referred to as Base Station.
Ad-hoc
An ad-hoc network is a local area network or other small network, such as
wireless, in which some of the network devices are part of the network only for
the duration of a communications session. In the case of mobile and portable
devices, they can be a part of the network when in close proximity to the rest of
the network.
Cable Modem
A device that connects your PC to a local TV line and receives data at 1.5Mpbs.
One of its connections is connected to your PC and the other one is to the cable
wall outlet. It attaches a standard 10BASE-T Ethernet card to a computer and
modulates between digital and analog signals.
Cell
Cell is the radio coverage area for a wireless device to communicate with an
access point. The size of the cell can depend on the antenna, the speed of
transmission, and the physical area.
Channel
Each channel refers to a different frequency level allowing for multiple
communication paths through one device, much the same way a radio operates.
Dynamic IP address
A dynamic IP address is an IP address that is given out automatically from a
DHCP Server to client computers or routers on a LAN or WAN.
Gateway
An entrance to a network. It associates with both router and switch whereas the
router gives direction as data arrives at the gateway and the switch, on the other
hand, furnishes its actual path in and out of the gateway.
IEEE
Abbreviation of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Founded in
1884, the IEEE is an organization composed of engineers, scientists, and
students. The IEEE is best known for developing standards for the computer and
electronics industry. In particular, the IEEE 802 standards for local area networks
are widely adopted.
IEEE 802.11 Standard
In WLAN technology, 802.11 refers to standards set by the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers. There are three specifications in the family, 802.11,
802.11a and 802.11b. 802.11 and 802.11b refer to wireless Ethernet LANs and
