Terminology

The following is a list of terminology that is 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.

Backbone – The core infrastructure of a network. The portion of the network that transports information from one central location to another central location where it is unloaded onto a local system.

Base Station – In mobile telecommunications, a base station is the central radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications with the mobile radiotelephone sets within its range. In cellular and personal communications applications, each cell or micro-cell has its own base station; each base station in turn is interconnected with other cells’ bases.

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.

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 transmission from computers and terminals. Ethernet operates on a 10 Mbps baseband transmission rate, using shielded coaxial cable or shielded twisted-pair telephone cable.