Glossary

Glossary

Access point

An access point such as the Gigaset SE366 WLAN is the central element in a wireless local network (WLAN). It handles connection of the wireless-linked network components and regulates data traffic in the wireless network. The access point also serves as an interface to other networks, for example an existing Encryption LAN or via a modem to the Internet. The network mode for wireless networks with an access point is called Infrastructure mode.

Ad-hoc mode

Ad-hoc mode describes wireless local networks (WLAN) in which the network components set up a spontaneous network without an access point, e.g. several notebooks in a conference. All the network components are peers. They must be equipped with a wireless network adapter.

AES

Advanced Encryption Standard

AES is an encryption system that was published as a standard in October 2000 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It is used for WPA encryption. A distinction is made between the three AES variants AES-128, AES-192 and AES-256 on the basis of their key lengths.

Authentication

Authentication checks the true identity of a PC on the basis of a particular property.

Bridge

A bridge connects several network segments to form a joint network, e.g. to make a TCP/ IP network. The segments can have different physical properties, for example different connections such as Ethernet and wireless LANs. Linking individual segments via bridges makes it possible to build local networks of practically unlimited size.

See also Gateway, Hub, Router, Switch

DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

DHCP handles the automatic assignment of IP addresses to network components. It was developed because in large networks – especially the Internet – the defining of IP addresses is very complex as participants frequently move, drop out or new ones join. A DHCP server automatically assigns the connected network components (DHCP clients) dynamic addresses from a defined IP address pool, thus saving a great deal of configuration work. In addition, the address blocks can be used more effectively: Since not all participants are on the network at the same time, the same IP address can be assigned to different network components in succession as and when required.

The Gigaset routers include a DHCP server and can automatically assign IP addresses for the PCs in their local network.

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