User's Manual

46
T ERMINOLOGY
The following is a list of terminology used in this document.
Access Point – An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired
and wireless networks.
Ad Hoc – An ad hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers each with
LAN adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN.
BSS – BSS stands for “Basic Service Set.” It is an access point and all the
LAN PCs that are associated with it.
CSMA/CA – Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance.
Data Frame – Packets transmitted/received by the device that carry data
(see Management Frame on the next page.
ESS – ESS (ESS-ID, SSID) stands for “Extended Service Set.” More than
one BSS is configured to become an Extended Service Set. LAN mobile
users can roam between different BSSs in an ESS (ESS-ID, SSID).
Ethernet – A popular local area data communications network, which
accepts transmissions from computers and terminals. Ethernet operates
on a 10 Mbps baseband transmission rate, using shielded coaxial cable or
twisted-pair cable.
Fragmentation Threshold – In the 802.11 Standard, the MAC Layer may
fragment and reassemble directed MSDUs or MMPDUs. The
fragmentation and defragmentation mechanisms allow for fragment
re-transmission.
Preamble Type – Some Access Points and Client card drivers have a radio
setting for “Short” RF Preamble. If all the Clients and Access points in
your wireless network have this feature, then enabling it can boost your
throughput. However, if a radio does not support this feature, then it will
not be able to communicate with any other radios that have this set to
“Short”.