Glossary

Instant WirelessTM Series

Ad-hoc Network - An ad-hoc network is a wireless network or other small net- work in which some of the network devices are part of the network only for the duration of a communications session while in some close proximity to the rest of the network.

Default Gateway - The router used to forward all traffic that is not addressed to a station within the local subnet.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - Aprotocol that lets network administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network. Using the Internet's set of protocol (TCP/IP), each machine that can connect to the Internet needs a unique IP address. When an organization sets up its computer users with a con- nection to the Internet, an IP address must be assigned to each machine. Without DHCP, the IP address must be entered manually at each computer and, if computers move to another location in another part of the network, a new IP address must be entered. DHCP lets a network administrator supervise and dis- tribute IP addresses from a central point and automatically sends a new IP address when a computer is plugged into a different place in the network.

DHCP uses the concept of a "lease" or amount of time that a given IP address will be valid for a computer. The lease time can vary depending on how long a user is likely to require the Internet connection at a particular location. It's espe- cially useful in education and other environments where users change fre- quently. Using very short leases, DHCP can dynamically reconfigure networks in which there are more computers than there are available IP addresses.

DHCP supports static addresses for computers containing Web servers that need a permanent IP address.

DNS - The domain name system (DNS) is the way that Internet domain name are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. A domain name is a meaningful and easy-to-remember "handle" for an Internet address.

Wireless Network Access Point

DSSS - Also known as “Direct Sequence Spred Spectrum”, this is a variety of radio transmission methods that continuously change frequencies or signal pat- terns. Direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS), which is used in CDMA, mul- tiplies the data bits by a very fast pseudo-random bit pattern (PN sequence) that "spreads" the data into a large coded stream that takes the full bandwidth of the channel

Dynamic IP Address - An IP address that is automatically assigned to a client station in a TCP/IP network, typically by a DHCP server. Network devices that serve multiple users, such as servers and printers, are usually assigned static IP addresses.

ESS - More than one BSS in a network.

FHSS - Also known as “Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum”. Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) continuously changes the center frequency of a conventional carrier several times per second according to a pseudo-random set of channels, while chirp spread spectrum changes the carrier frequency. Because a fixed frequency is not used, illegal monitoring of spread spectrum signals is extremely difficult, if not downright impossible depending on the particular method.

Firmware - Programming that is inserted into programmable read-only mem- ory (programmable read-only memory), thus becoming a permanent part of a computing device.

IEEE - The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE describes itself as "the world's largest technical professional society -- promot- ing the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the well- being of our members."

The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and international standards. The organization publishes a number of journals, has many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the IEEE Computer Society.

Infrastructure - An infrastructure network is a wireless network or other small network in which the wireless network devices are made a part of the network through the Access Point which connects them to the rest of the network.

WAP11 specifications

The Linksys WAP11 is a versatile and influential device in the realm of wireless networking. Released in the early 2000s, this wireless access point was designed to offer seamless connectivity for users who required reliable internet access without the constraints of wired connections. The WAP11 quickly became popular for home and office environments, allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet wirelessly.

One of the standout features of the Linksys WAP11 is its compliance with the IEEE 802.11b wireless networking standard. This standard enabled the WAP11 to deliver a maximum data transfer rate of up to 11 Mbps, which was impressive at the time of its launch. It also supported backward compatibility with 802.11g devices, enabling a broader range of connectivity options for users.

The WAP11 utilizes both infrastructure and ad-hoc modes, catering to various networking setups. The infrastructure mode allows for connection through a wireless router or switch, while the ad-hoc mode facilitates a peer-to-peer connection among multiple devices. This flexibility makes the WAP11 suitable for both small home networks and larger office settings.

Another notable characteristic of the WAP11 is its range and coverage capability. The device operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency and is designed to provide coverage in a typical home or small office. When deployed in an environment with minimal obstacles, the WAP11 offers a considerable range, ensuring that users can connect from various locations within the premises.

Security features are also a significant aspect of the WAP11. It supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, providing a basic level of security to protect data transmitted across the wireless network. While WEP has since been superseded by more robust security protocols like WPA and WPA2, it was a necessary feature for its time, giving users peace of mind regarding their data protection.

Installation and setup of the Linksys WAP11 are user-friendly, making it accessible even for individuals with minimal technical experience. The device comes with a web-based interface that allows users to configure settings, adjust security parameters, and troubleshoot network issues with ease.

In summary, the Linksys WAP11 is a remarkable wireless access point that laid the groundwork for the wireless networking standards we now take for granted. With its support for 802.11b, flexible operating modes, decent range, and user-friendly configuration, the WAP11 provided a reliable solution for expanding wireless connectivity. Its influence can be seen in the ongoing evolution of wireless networking technologies, emphasizing the importance of connectivity in our increasingly digital world.