User Manual

Internet Protocol (IP)
The network layer protocol for routing packets through the Internet.
IP address
32-bit number, usually presented as a period-separated (dotted decimal) list of three-digit
numbers, which identifies an entity on the Internet according to the Internet Protocol
standard.
local area network (LAN)
A group of computers, servers, printers, and other devices connected to one another, with
the ability to share data between them.
management information bases (MIBs)
A database of objects that can be monitored by a network management system. Both
SNMP and RMON use standardized MIB formats that allows any SNMP and RMON
tools to monitor any device defined by a MIB.
maskbits
Number of bits in the subnet prefix for an IP address, (provides the same information as
subnet mask). Each triplet of digits in an IP address consists of 8 bits. To specify the
subnet in maskbits, count the number of bits in the prefix. To specify using a subnet
mask, indicate the masked bits as an IP address. Example: subnet mask 255.255.255.0 is
equivalent to 24 maskbits, which is the total number of bits in the 255.255.255 prefix.
Media Access Control (MAC) address
A unique hardware-based equipment identifier, set during device manufacture. The MAC
address uniquely identifies each node of a network. Access points can be configured with
MAC access lists, allowing only certain specific devices to connect with the LAN
through them, or to allow certain MAC-identified network cards or devices access only to
certain resources.
MAC address authentication
Method of authenticating clients by using the MAC address of the client station rather
than a user ID.
Network Address Translation (NAT)
The translation of one IP address used within a network to another address used
elsewhere. One frequent use of NAT is the translation of IPs used inside a company,
versus the IP addresses visible to the outside world. This feature helps increase network
security to a small degree, because when the address is translated, it is an opportunity to
authenticate the request and/or to match it to known, authorized types of requests. NAT is
also used sometimes to map multiple nodes to a single outwardly visible IP address.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
Generic term for network interface hardware that includes wired and wireless LAN
adapter cards, PC CardBus PCMCIA cards, and USB-to-LAN adapters.
network management system (NMS)
Software application that controls a network of multiple access points and clients.
node
Generic term for a network entity. Includes an access point, network adapter (wireless or
wired), or network appliance (such as a print server or other non-computer device).
Network Time Protocol (NTP)
NTP servers are used to synchronize clocks on computers and other devices. APs have
the capability to connect automatically to NTP servers to set their own clocks on a
regular basis.
Installation and User Guide: WFB400 Windows Wireless LAN Client Page 25 of 29