User's Manual

Table Of Contents
70
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Glossary
802.11b: A specific networking standard created by IEEE that defines engineering design
parameters for high-speed wireless data transmission. The 802.11b standard allows different
manufacturers to create wireless products that are compatible with each other.
Ad Hoc Mode: (or peer-to-peer) A software setting for 802.11b wireless adapters. Ad-Hoc
mode allows independent peer-to-peer connectivity from one PC to another in a wireless
network. See also Access Point and Infrastructure Mode.
Adapter (network adapter or NIC): A hardware device that allows your PC to connect to a
network. Internal adapters install inside your PC like other expansion cards. External adapters
connect to your PC through the USB or a serial port like other external devices.
Access Point (AP): A hardware device that serves as a communications hub for 802.11b
wireless PCs and can also provide a connection to a wired network. An AP can double the range
of wireless client PCs and provide enhanced security.
Channel:
Client: Any PC that requests services (files, print capability) from another member of the
network. Typically, a group of client PCs depend on the functions of a server PC. Similarly,
client wireless adapters can depend on a variety of functions provided by an access point.
Driver (Device Driver): Special software programs required for any device to install properly
on a PC. Devices include network adapters, printers, scanners, modems, audio cards, CD
drives, monitors etc. Drivers enable the device to coordinate its activities with the PC to which
it is attached.
Encryption: A method of converting all of the information that is transmitted over a wireless
network into a form that cannot be read by unauthorized persons. Encryption provides
additional data security in 802.11b wireless networks.
Ethernet: The most widely used network access method. Ethernet is defined by the IEEE 802.3
standard. Ethernet networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD (Carrier-Sense Multiple
Access) to run over 10BaseT cables.
Gateway: A network device that provides a bridge or entrance to another network. For
example, a residential gateway can allow a wireless network to connect to a phoneline or
Ethernet network.
Infrastructure Mode: A software setting for 802.11b wireless adapters allowing connectivity to
a central access point (AP). The AP not only mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate
neighborhood, but also provides communication with a wired network. See AD-Hoc and
Access Point.
IEEE: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
ISP (Internet Service Provider): An organization that provides access to the Internet. Users
connect with the ISP using a conventional or broadband modem. The major online services