User's Manual

Appendix B Glossary
Access Point - An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless
networks together.
Ad-Hoc - Ad-Hoc is a peer- to-peer wireless network without Access Point. A group of
wireless clients consistent an independent wireless LAN.
Backbone - The core infrastructure of a network, the portion of the network that
transports information from one central location to another central location. The
information is then off-loaded onto a local system.
BSS - Stands for “Basic Service Set.” An Access Point associated with several wireless
stations.
ESS - Stands for “Extended Service Set.” More than one BSS can be configured as an
Extended Service Set. An ESS is basically a roaming domain.
Ethernet - A popular local area data communications network, originally developed by
Xerox Corp., which accepts transmission from computers and terminals. Ethernet
operates on 10/100 Mbps transmission rate over shielded coaxial cable or over shielded
twisted pair telephone wire.
Infrastructure - An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure
configuration.
PCMCIA - Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, which
develops standards for PC cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards, are available in
three “types” which are about the same length and width as credit cards, but range in
thickness from 3.3 mm (Type I) to 5.0 mm (Type II) to 10.5 mm (Type III). These cards
can be used for many functions, including memory storage, as landline modems and as
wireless LAN.
Roaming - A function that allows one to travel with a mobile end system (wireless
LAN mobile station, for example) through the territory of a domain (an ESS, for
example) while continuously connecting to the infrastructure.