User's Manual

In the 802.11n system, two new formats, called High Throughput (HT), are defined for the
Physical Layer, Mixed Mode, and Green Field. If a system runs 40 HT, two adjacent 20 MHz
channels are used. The larger 40 MHz bandwidth can provide better transmit quality and speed.
Keys
Like passwords, keys open (decrypt) and close (encrypt) messages. While many encryption
algorithms are commonly known and public, the key must be kept secret.
Local-Area Network (LAN)
A small data network covering a limited area, such as a building or group of buildings. Most LANs
connect workstations or personal computers. LANs let many users share devices such as printers
as well as data. LANs also facilitate communication through e-mail or chat sessions.
Media Access Control (MAC) Address
Address associated with every hardware device on the network. Every 802.11 wireless device has
its own specific MAC address. This unique identifier is hard-coded into the device and can be
used to provide security for WLANs. When a network uses a MAC table, only the 802.11 radios
that have their MAC addresses added to that network's MAC table can access the network.
Network Address Translation (NAT)
An Internet standard that lets a LAN use one set of IP addresses for internal traffic and a second
set of addresses for external traffic.
Network Time Protocol (NTP)
A protocol that lets devices synchronize their time with a time server. NTP uses TCP or UDP port
123 by default.
Passphrase
A text string that automatically generates WEP keys on wireless client adapters.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
A PoE provides power to PoE-enabled devices using an 8-pin CAT 5 Ethernet cable, eliminating the
need for a power source.
Preamble
Synchronizes transmissions in a WLAN. The preamble type defines the length of the Cyclic
Redundancy Check block for communication between a device and roaming wireless stations.
Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol (PEAP)
Authentication protocol of IEEE 802.1x used to send authentication data and passwords over
802.11 WLANs.
Quality of Service (QoS)
A network’s ability to deliver data with minimum delay. QoS also refers to the networking
methods used to provide bandwidth for real-time multimedia applications.
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS)
Networking protocol that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting
management for computers to connect and use a network service. Because of its broad support
and ubiquitous nature, the RADIUS protocol is often used by ISPs and enterprises to manage
access to the Internet or internal networks, WLANs, and integrated e-mail services.