Glossary

For unfamiliar terms used below, look for entries elsewhere in the glossary.

AD-HOC(IBSS)

Ad-hoc mode does not require an AP or a wired network. A network that transmits wireless from computer to computer without the use of a base station (access point).

Two or more wireless stations communicate directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may sometimes be referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS).

CHANNEL

A radio frequency used by a wireless device is called a channel.

EAP AUTHENTICATION

EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is an authentication protocol that runs on top of the IEEE802.1X transport mechanism in order to support multiple types of user authentication. By using EAP to interact with an EAP-compatible RADIUS server, an access point helps a wireless station and a RADIUS server perform authentication.

ENCRYPTION

The reversible transformation of data from the original to a difficult-to-interpret format. Encryp- tion is a mechanism for protecting confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data. It uses an encryption algorithm and one or more encryption keys.

FRAGMENTATION THRESHOLD

This is the maximum data fragment size that can be sent before the packet is fragmented into smaller packets.

IEEE 802.1X

The IEEE 802.1X standard outlines enhanced security methods for both the authentication of wireless stations and encryption key management. Authentication can be done using an external RADIUS server.

INFRASTRUCTURE (BSS)

When a number of wireless stations are connected using a single AP, you have a Basic Ser- vice Set (BSS).

ROAMING

In an infrastructure network, wireless stations are able to switch from one BSS to another as they move between the coverage areas. During this period, the wireless stations maintain uninterrupted connection to the network. This is roaming. As the wireless station moves from place to place, it is responsible for choosing the most appropriate AP depending on the signal strength, network utilization among other factors.