5/26/05 Glossary
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IEEE 802.11
A set of specifications for LANs from The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Most
wired networks conform to 802.3, the specification for CSMA/CD based Ethernet networks or 802.5, the
specification for token ring networks. 802.11 defines the standard for wireless LANs encompassing
three incompatible (non-interoperable) technologies: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS),
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Infrared. See also 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g
and 802.1X. See also WECA.
IKE
Internet Key Exchange. A protocol used to start, stop and monitor IPSec dynamic tunnels.
iLink
Sony's term for IEEE1394 technology that provides a bandwidth of about 400 Mbps. Many people also
refer to this high-speed communication technology using Apple's original term, FireWire. Future
versions of 1394 will greatly increase the bandwidth.
Infrastructure Mode
A client setting providing connectivity to an AP. As compared to Ad-Hoc mode, whereby PCs communi-
cate directly with each other, clients set in Infrastructure Mode all pass data through a central AP. The
AP not only mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood, but also provides
communication with the wired network. See Ad-Hoc and AP.
Internet Appliance
A computer that is intended primarily for Internet access, is simple to set up and usually does not
support installation of third-party software. These computers generally offer customized web browsing,
touch-screen navigation, email services, entertainment and personal information management applica-
tions. An Internet appliance can be Wi-Fi enabled or it can be connected via a cable to the local
network.
IP
Internet Protocol. A set of rules used to send and receive messages at the Internet address level.
IP Address
A 32-bit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information that is sent across the Internet.
An IP Address has two parts: an identifier of a particular network on the Internet and an identifier of
the particular device (which can be a server or a workstation) within that network.
IP Telephony
Internet Protocol Technology that supports voice, data and video transmission via IP-based LANs,
WANs, and the Internet. This includes VoIP (Voice over IP).
IPSec
IP Security. Protocol used to authenticate and/or encrypt IP data using IPSec and/or IKE secure
tunnels. Used to support VPN tunnels across the internet.
IPSec Passthrough
Operating System Security feature that allows IPSec-equipped clients to communicate directly with
other IPSec equipment.
IPX-SPX
IPX, short for Internetwork Packet Exchange, a networking protocol used by the Novell NetWare
operating systems. Like UDP/IP, IPX is a datagram protocol used for connectionless communications.