Instant Wireless® Series

Software - Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a particular task is called a "program." The two major categories of software are "system software" and "application software." System software is made up of control programs such as the operating system and database management sys- tem (DBMS). Application software is any program that processes data for the user.

A common misconception is that software is data. It is not. Software tells the hardware how to process the data.

Spread Spectrum - Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequen- cy technique developed by the military for use in reliable, secure, mission-crit- ical communications systems. It is designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other words, more bandwidth is con- sumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but the trade off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided that the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

SSID (Service Set IDentifier) - A unique name shared among all points in a wireless network. The SSID must be identical for each point in the wireless net- work and is case-sensitive.

Static IP Address - A permanent IP address that is assigned to a node in an IP or a TCP/IP network.

Static Routing - Forwarding data in a network via a fixed path. Static routing cannot adjust to changing line conditions as can dynamic routing.

Storage - The semi-permanent or permanent holding place for digital data.

Subnet Mask - The method used for splitting IP networks into a series of sub- groups, or subnets. The mask is a binary pattern that is matched up with the IP address to turn part of the host ID address field into a field for subnets.

Switch - 1. A data switch connects computing devices to host computers, allowing a large number of devices to share a limited number of ports. 2. A device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical cir- cuit.

Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram) between network devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data (routing), TCP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for effi- cient delivery over the network. TCP is known as a "connection oriented" pro- tocol due to requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of receipt to the sender of the packet resulting in transmission control.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - The basic com- munication language or set of protocols for communications over a network (developed specifically for the Internet). TCP/IP defines a suite or group of protocols and not only TCP and IP.

Telnet - A terminal emulation protocol commonly used on the Internet and TCP/IP-based networks. It allows a user at a terminal or computer to log onto a remote device and run a program.

TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) - A version of the TCP/IP FTP protocol that has no directory or password capability.

Throughput - The amount of data moved successfully from one place to another in a given time period.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the form of message units (datagram) between network devices over a LAN or WAN. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data (routing), UDP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data (called packets) that a message is divided into for effi- cient delivery over the network. UDP is known as a "connection-less" protocol due to NOT requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of receipt to the sender of the packet (as opposed to TCP).

Upgrade - To replace existing software or firmware with a newer version.

Upload - To transmit a file over a network. In a communications session, upload means transmit, download means receive.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - The address that defines the route to a file on the Web or any other Internet facility. URLs are typed into the browser to access Web pages, and URLs are embedded within the pages themselves to pro- vide the hypertext links to other pages.

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WRT55AG specifications

The RF-Link Technology WRT55AG is a versatile wireless router designed to cater to the demands of both home and small office environments. As a dual-band device, it operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, allowing for enhanced network flexibility and reduced interference. This capability makes it ideal for settings where multiple devices compete for bandwidth, such as homes filled with smart devices and media streaming.

One of the standout features of the WRT55AG is its support for advanced wireless standards, including IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n. This broad compatibility ensures that users can connect various devices, from older laptops and smartphones to the latest smart home gadgets, without issues. The router boasts a maximum theoretical data rate of up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, providing ample speed for high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers.

Security is a top priority for the WRT55AG, which incorporates WPA2 encryption and can easily configure firewall settings to protect user data from external threats. The router also features a robust Quality of Service (QoS) management tool that enables users to prioritize bandwidth for specific applications or devices. This ensures that crucial tasks, such as video conferencing or online gaming, receive the necessary resources to function optimally.

In terms of connectivity, the WRT55AG is equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for wired connections to gaming consoles, PCs, and other network devices. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who require stable connections with minimal latency. The router also supports USB connectivity, enabling file sharing and media streaming directly from USB storage devices connected to the router.

The RF-Link Technology WRT55AG also incorporates user-friendly setup options, including an intuitive web interface for quick configuration. With support for both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, this router is future-proof, ensuring that it remains relevant as Internet standards evolve.

Overall, the RF-Link WRT55AG stands out as a reliable and feature-rich router that meets the needs of modern households and small offices. Its combination of speed, security, and versatility makes it a solid choice for users looking to enhance their wireless networking experience.