Glossary

Glossary

Access Point

Access points are the contact points (wireless routers and transmitters) in a wireless LAN that are connected to an Ethernet hub or server. Users can roam within the range of access points and their wireless device connections are passed from one access point to the next.

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. Your router Administrator is the person in control of access to your router. The system starts out with all users as administrators.

Authentication

Authentication refers to the verification of a transmitted message's integrity.

Beacon Interval

Refers to the interval between packets sent by routers for the purposes of synchronizing wireless LANs.

Broadband

Usually refers to Internet connections that provide faster data transfer than standard dial-up connections (cable modem, DSL, T-1, etc.)

DDNS

Dynamic DNS (Domain Name System).

DHCP

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) software automatically assigns IP addresses to client stations logging onto a TCP/IP network, which eliminates the need to manually assign permanent IP addresses.

DHCP Client

The DHCP client list shows all of the computers attached to your local network. The list shows the host name of the computer.

DMZ

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is a part of an network that is located between a secure LAN and an insecure WAN. DMZs provide a way for some clients to have unrestricted access to the Internet.

DNS

DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS converts domain names to the IP addresses that all machines on the Internet have. It translates from name to address and from address to name.

Domain Name

The domain name is the "readable" version of an Internet site address. A typical domain name has the form "www.somedomainname.com" or "www.somedomainname.org", etc.

DTIM

DTIM (Delivery Traffic Indication Message) provides client stations with information on the next opportu- nity to monitor for broadcast or multicast messages.

Filter

Filters only allow specified data to be transmitted or received. For example, the router can filter specific IP addresses so that users cannot connect to those addresses.

AT&T Plug&ShareWireless PCI Adapter 22 Mbps Turbo 6500B4X

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AT&T Turbo 802.11b user manual Glossary

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.