NIC (Network Interface Card)

A network adapter inserted into a computer so that the computer can be connected to a network. It is responsible for converting data from stored in the computer to the form transmitted or received.

Packet

A basic message unit for communication across a network. A packet usually includes routing information, data, and sometimes error detection information.

Pass Phrase

The Wireless Settings utility uses an algorithm to generate four WEP keys based on the typed combination.

PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)

PPPis a protocol for communication between computers using a serial interface, typically a personal computer connected by phone line to a server.

PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)

Point-to-Point Protocol is a method of secure data transmission. PPP using Ethernet to connect to an ISP.

Preamble

Allows you to set the preamble mode for a network to Long, Short, or Auto. The default preamble mode is Long.

Radio Frequency (RF) Terms: GHz, MHz, Hz

The international unit for measuring frequency is Hertz (Hz), equivalent to the older unit of cycles per second. One megahertz (MHz) is one million Hertz. One gigahertz (GHz) is one billion Hertz. The standard US electrical power frequency is 60 Hz, the AM broadcast radio frequency band is 0.55-1.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency band is 88-108 MHz, and wireless 802.11 LANs operate at 2.4 GHz.

SSID (Service Set Identifier)

SSID is a group name shared by every member of a wireless network. Only client PCs with the same SSID are allowed to establish a connection. Enabling the Response to Broadcast SSID requests option allows the device to broadcast its SSID in a wireless network. This allows other wireless devices to scan and establish communication with the device. Unchecking this option hides the SSID to prevent other wireless devices from recognizing and connecting to the device.

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