22 Mbps Wireless PC Card, PCI Adapter, and Access Point User Guide

Glossary

Access Point An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks together.

Ad-Hoc An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers each with wireless adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN.

Backbone This is the core infrastructure of a network; the portion of the network that transports information from one central location to another central location. The information is then off-loaded onto a local system.

Base Station In mobile telecommunication, a base station is the central radio transmitter/ receiver that maintains communication with the mobile radio telephone sets within range. In cellular and personal communications applications, each cell or microcell has its own base station; each base station in turn is interconnected with other cells' bases.

Bridge An internetworking function that incorporates the lowest two layers of the OSI network protocol model.

BSS An acronym for Basic Service Set, this is an Access Point that is associated with several wireless stations.

ESS An acronym for Extended Service Set, this is a roaming domain. More than one BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set.

Ethernet A popular local area data communications network that accepts transmission from computers and terminals. An Ethernet operates on a 10/100 Mbps baseband transmission over shielded coaxial cable or over shielded, twisted-pair telephone wire.

Infrastructure This is an integrated wireless and wired LAN configuration.

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) This association develops standards for PC cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards. PC cards are available in three "types", which are about the same length and width as credit cards, but range in thickness from 3.3 mm (Type I) to 5.0 mm (Type II) to 10.5 mm (Type III). These cards can be used for many functions, including memory storage, as landline modems, and as wireless LAN devices.

Roaming A function that allows one to travel with a mobile end system (wireless LAN mobile station, for example) through the territory of a domain (an ESS, for example) while continuously connecting to the infrastructure.

Contents:

22 Mbps Wireless PC Card, PCI Adapter, and Access Point User Guide

Glossary