Glossary
GL-3
Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point Hardware Installation Guide
OL-8371-05
DHCP Dynamic host configuration protocol. A protocol available with many operating
systems that automatically issues IP addresses within a specified range to
devices on the network. The device retains the assigned address for a specific
administrator-defined period.
dipole A type of low-gain (2.2-dBi) antenna consisting of two (often internal) elements.
domain name The text name that refers to a grouping of networks or network resources based
on organization-type or geography; for example: name.com—commercial;
name.edu—educational; name.gov—government; ISPname.net—network
provider (such as an ISP); name.ar—Argentina; name.au—Australia; and so on.
DNS Domain Name System server. A server that translates text names into IP
addresses. The server maintains a database of host alphanumeric names and their
corresponding IP addresses.
DSSS Direct sequence spread spectrum. A type of spread spectrum radio transmission
that spreads its signal continuously over a wide frequency band.
EEAP Extensible Authentication Protocol. An optional IEEE 802.1x security feature
ideal for organizations with a large user base and access to an EAP-enabled
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server.
Ethernet The most widely used wired local area network. Ethernet uses carrier sense
multiple access (CSMA) to allow computers to share a network and operates at
10, 100, or 1000 Mbps, depending on the physical layer used.
Ffile server A repository for files so that a local area network can share files, mail, and
programs.
firmware Software that is programmed on a memory chip.
Ggateway A device that connects two otherwise incompatible networks together.
GHz Gigahertz. One billion cycles per second. A unit of measure for frequency.