Mtu, Nat, Ntp, Rip | AT&T Turbo 802.11b guide

Glossary

MAC Address

A MAC address is a unique serial number for hardware adapters, giving the adapter a unique identification.

Metric

A number that indicates how long a packet takes to get to its destination.

MTU

MTU (Maximum Transmission/Transfer Unit) is the largest packet size that can be sent over a network. Messages larger than the MTU are divided into smaller packets.

NAT

NAT (Network Address Translation — also known as IP masquerading) enables a LAN to present itself to the Internet with one address. NAT converts the address of each LAN node into one IP address for the Internet (and vice versa). NAT also provides a certain amount of security by acting as a firewall by keeping individual IP addresses hidden from the WAN.

Network Administrator

The network administrator is the person who manages the LAN. The administrator's tasks include ensuring network security, keeping software, hardware, and firmware up-to-date, and keeping track of network activity.

NTP

NTP (Network Time Protocol) is used to synchronize the realtime clock in a computer. Internet primary and secondary servers synchronize to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Packet

A packet is a portion of data that is transmitted in network communications. Packets are also sometimes called frames and datagrams. Packets contain not only data, but also the destination IP address.

Ping

Ping (Packet Internet Groper) is a utility used to find out if a particular IP address is present online.

Port

Ports are the physical and/or logical communications pathways in and out of computers and network devices (routers and switches). Most PCs have serial and parallel ports, which are external sockets for connecting devices such as printers, modems, and mice. All network adapters also use ports to connect to the LAN. Finally, applications that communicate over the Internet also have ports; these are the end- points of the application and are given a specific "port number."

PPPoE

PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol Over Ethernet) is a protocol used to communicate between two computers using a serial interface, such as dial-up Internet connections, over an Ethernet link.

Preamble

Preamble refers to the length of a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) block used to detect errors in communications between roaming wireless enabled devices and routers.

Protocol

A protocol is a rule that governs the communication of data.

RIP

RIP (Routing Information Protocol) is a routing protocol that is integrated in the TCP/IP protocol. RIP finds a route that is based on the smallest number of hops between the source of a packet and its destination.

AT&T Plug&Share™ Wireless PCI Adapter 22 Mbps Turbo 6500B4X

Turbo 802.11b specifications

The AT&T Turbo 802.11b represents a significant evolution in wireless networking technology, designed to enhance connectivity and speed in home and office environments. Introduced in the early 2000s, this standard rapidly gained popularity due to its promising features and capabilities that paved the way for modern wireless communication.

At the core of the AT&T Turbo 802.11b is its operational frequency of 2.4 GHz, which allows for an extended range of wireless connectivity. This frequency is not only accommodating to a broader area but also beneficial for penetrating walls and other obstacles, reducing dead zones within a typical home or office setup. With a maximum data transfer rate of 11 Mbps, the Turbo version enhances performance over its predecessors, although it is eclipsed by later standards like 802.11g and 802.11n.

One of the critical features of the Turbo 802.11b is its support for a Multi-Channel operation. By leveraging different channels within the 2.4 GHz spectrum, users can improve their data throughput and minimize interference, especially in densely populated areas where multiple networks are in operation. This capability includes automatic channel selection, which streamlines the setup process and optimizes performance based on the current environment.

Security is another prominent aspect of the Turbo 802.11b technology. It offers WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption, an essential feature for safeguarding data transmitted over wireless networks. While WEP is not regarded as the most robust security measure by today’s standards, it was a step forward at its introduction, prompting users to recognize the importance of protecting their wireless communications.

Compatibility is a hallmark of the Turbo 802.11b, as it is designed to easily integrate with existing 802.11b devices. This backward compatibility ensures that users can seamlessly transition from older networks while still taking advantage of the technology’s enhancements.

Furthermore, the AT&T Turbo 802.11b is built with user-friendliness in mind. Its plug-and-play setup allows even non-technical users to establish a wireless network with minimal effort, making it particularly appealing for home users who desire connectivity without extensive technical knowledge.

In summary, the AT&T Turbo 802.11b exemplifies a critical milestone in wireless technology, boasting features like enhanced data rates, multi-channel support, basic security, and remarkable compatibility, which have laid foundational groundwork for subsequent advancements in wireless networking.