Cisco Systems OL-7426-03 quick start Cpu

Bridge

A product that connects a local area network (LAN) to another local area network that uses the same protocol (for example, wireless, Ethernet or token ring). Wireless bridges are commonly used to link buildings in campuses.

Broadband

A comparatively fast Internet connection. Services such as ISDN, cable modem, DSL and satellite are all considered broadband as compared to dial-up Internet access. There is no official speed definition of broadband but services of 100 Kbps and above are commonly thought of as broadband.

Bus Adapter

A special adapter card that installs in a PC's PCI or ISA slot and enables the use of PC Card radios in desktop computers. Some companies offer one-piece PCI or ISA Card radios that install directly into an open PC or ISA slot.

CA

Certification Authority. A trusted entity or person who issues public-key certificates for data encryption.

Cable Modem

A kind of converter used to connect a computer to a cable TV service that provides Internet access. Most cable modems have an Ethernet Out cable that attaches to a client’s Wi-Fi gateway.

Cert.

Certificate. Used to authenticate the server and encrypt data transmissions between server and browser. See CA and ID Certificate.

Certification Authority

See CA.

Cipher

An algorithm used to encrypt data.

Client

Any computer or handheld device connected to a network that requests services (files, print capability) from another member of the network. Each client is associated with a unique MAC address.

Client Device

A Client is an wireless LAN end user. Wi-Fi client devices include PC Cards that slide into laptop computers, mini-PCI modules embedded in laptop computers and mobile computing devices, as well as USB radios and PCI/ISA bus Wi-Fi radios. Client devices usually communicate with hub devices like Access Points and Gateways.

Collision Avoidance

A network node characteristic for detecting traffic before transmitting so it can transmit a signal without risking a collision.

CPU

Central Processing Unit. The microprocessor part of a computer that interprets and executes instructions.

5/26/05	Glossary
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