W Ireless LAN a Glossary of Terms

W ireless LAN A Glossary of Terms

9 July 2004, Rev. B

A glossary of terms to guide readers through the jargon and acronyms of Wireless Local Area Network technology.

W ireless LAN A Glossary of Terms

A glossary of terms to guide readers through the jargon and acronyms of Wireless Local Area Network technology.

802.11 standard Developed as a standard by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE, or I-triple-E), 802.11 is a radio technology used for wireless local area networks (WLANs). 802.11 is the parent standard of several technologies operating across several different frequencies.

802.11a The IEEE nomenclature for wireless networking operating at 5 GHz with a maximum data transfer rate of 54 Mbps. The 802.11a specification offers more radio channels than its sister technology 802.11b.

802.11b The IEEE nomenclature for wireless networking operating at 2.4 GHz with a maximum data transfer rate of 11 Mbps.

802.11g The IEEE nomenclature for wireless networking operating at 2.4 GHz with a maximum data transfer rate of 11 Mbps. This technology distinguishes itself from 802.11b by using a different radio technology to boost bandwidth.

access point A device that transfers data between a wireless network and a wired network.

bandwidth A relative range of frequencies that can carry a signal without distortion on a transmission medium.

bits per second A measure used to quantify data transmission speed over communication (bps) lines. It is based on the number of bits that can be sent or received per second.

Do not confuse bits per second—little bps—with bytes per second—BIG Bps. While bps measures transmission speed, Bps measures storage capability.

Bluetooth wireless A technology used to link laptop and desktop computers, personal digital technology assistants (PDAs), and cellular phones, allowing them to transmit data without the need for cables or wires. Bluetooth operates at 2.4 GHz and has a range of 30 feet.

bridge A LAN product that allows connection of networks or subnetworks with similar architectures.

client The computer from which you will access drives, directories, files, and programs that are stored on the server. See also server.

compression The act of reducing the size of data to be stored or transmitted in order to save transmission time, capacity, or storage space.

encryption The transformation of data, for the purpose of privacy, into an unreadable format until reformatted with a decryption key.

encryption key The alphanumeric (letters and numbers) series that enables data to be encrypted and then decrypted thereby allowing it to be shared privately among members of a network.

Ethernet A type of LAN that enables the transmission of data, whether computer, audio, or video. Ethernet uses CSMA/CD (carrier sense multiple access with collision detection). Ethernet is always capitalized.

gateway A LAN feature that allows devices on two different subnets to communicate with each other.

HotSpot A location where you can access Wi-Fi service via a wireless-enabled device. HotSpots are often found within coffee shops, airports, train stations, convention centers, hotels, or similar public gathering places.

IEEE (Institute of Founded in 1884 as the AIEE, the IEEE was formed in 1963 when AIEE Electrical and merged with IRE. IEEE is an organization composed of engineers, scientists Electronics and students. The IEEE is best known for developing standards for the Engineers) computer and electronics industry.

IP (Internet Protocol) A set of rules used to send and receive messages at the Internet address level.

IP telephony Technology that supports voice, data, and video transmission via IP-based LANs, WANs, and the Internet. This includes VoIP (Voice over IP).

IP address A 32-bit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information that is sent across the Internet. An IP address has two parts: an identifier of a particular network on the Internet and an identifier of the particular device (which can be a server or a workstation) within that network.

LAN (Local Area A network that encompasses a small radius, such as an office building. Network) Contrasts to WAN (wide area network). See also Ethernet and peer-to-peer network.

Network Interface An adapter card installed in a controller that enables connection to a Card (NIC) network. The card contains both the hardware to accommodate the cables and the software to use the network's protocols. (Also referred to as a network adapter card or PCI card.)

RF (Radio A frequency at which coherent electromagnetic radiation of energy is useful Frequency) for communications purposes.

roaming In wireless networking, roaming refers to the ability to move from one access point coverage area to another without interruption in service or loss in connectivity.

server A computer that is configured to provide services to the network, such as files and programs. See also client.

standard protocol A communications protocol capable of controlling communications between two devices connected by a single data communication line.

WAN (Wide Area A network that encompasses a large area and involves routing nodes. Network) Contrasts to LAN (local area network).

WEP (Wired A security protocol for wireless local area networks (WLANs) defined in the Equivalent Privacy) 802.11b standard. WEP aims to provide security by encrypting data over radio waves so that it protects transmissions.

Wi-Fi (Wireless This trade term is promoted by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance Fidelity) (WECA). Products certified as Wi-Fi by WECA are interoperable even if they are from different manufacturers. A user with a Wi-Fi product can use any brand of access point with any other brand of client hardware that is built to the Wi-Fi standard.

WLAN (wireless LAN A communication system serving as either an extension or alternative to a or Wireless Local wired LAN within a building or campus. Using electromagnetic waves, a Area Network) WLAN transmits and receives data through the air, minimizing the need for wired connections.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to TechWeb’s TechEncylopedia, AetherSystems.com, Internet.com, and CIOMagazine.com for use of some of the above definitions.

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This white paper was adapted with permission from Intermec’s published paper: “Wireless LAN Glossary”.

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