Glossary

network protocols

Network protocols are rules that determine how devices on a network communicate with each other.

NIC

Stands for Network Interface Card. A Wireless NIC is a computer card (such as a Wireless PCI adapter, Wireless PC Card, or Wireless USB adapter) that lets your computer link to a WLAN.

operating mode

Ad-hoc mode (sometimes referred to as peer-to-peer mode) allows two computers to connect to each other in wireless-to-wireless (or peer-to-peer) communication. Do not choose Ad-hoc mode if your WLAN contains an AP and multiple computers.

Infrastructure mode is for WLANs that include an AP or Router and multiple computers.

PCI

Stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect.

peer-to-peer mode

See operating mode.

preamble

A preamble is a signal used to synchronize the transmission timing on your WLAN. A series of transmission pulses is sent ahead of the data to signal a new transmission. This ensures that Wireless devices receiving the data correctly interpret when the transmission starts.

The Preamble setting for your Wireless device must be identical to the Preamble setting on your AP.

SSID

See Wireless Network ID.

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