User Guide

Glossary-1
Glossary
10BASE-T
IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over two pairs of Category 3 or better UTP
cable.
100BASE-TX
IEEE 802.3u specification for 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet over two pairs of Category 5 or
better UTP cable.
Access Point
An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks. Access
points attached to a wired network, support the creation of multiple radio cells that enable
roaming throughout a facility.
Ad Hoc
A group of computers connected as an independent wireless network, without an access
point.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
An encryption algorithm that implements symmetric key cryptography. AES provides very
strong encryption using a completely different ciphering algorithm to TKIP and WEP.
Authentication
The process to verify the identity of a client requesting network access. IEEE 802.11
specifies two forms of authentication: open system and shared key.
Backbone
The core infrastructure of a network. The portion of the network that transports
information from one central location to another central location where it is unloaded onto
a local system.
Basic Service Set (BSS)
A set of 802.11-compliant stations and an access point that operate as a fully-connected
wireless network.
Beacon
A signal periodically transmitted from the access point that is used to identify the service
set, and to maintain contact with wireless clients.