Terminology
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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 base band
transmission rate, using a shielded coaxial cable or over shielded twisted pair wire.
Infrastructure – An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an infrastructure
configuration.
Roaming – A wireless LAN mobile user moves around an ESS and maintains a
continuous connection to the Infrastructure network.
RTS Threshold – Transmitters contending for the medium may not be aware of each
other. RTS/CTS mechanism can solve this “Hidden Node Problem.” If the packet size is
smaller than the preset RTS Threshold size, the RTS/CTS mechanism will NOT be
enabled.
WEP – Wired Equivalent Privacy is based on the use of 64-bit, 128-bit or 152-bit keys
and the popular RC4 encryption algorithm.