RD Glossary
- 1G cellular
- The initial cellular phone system that used analog signaling. This system did not effectively support the transmission computer data.
- 2G cellular
- The first cellular phone system that used digital signaling that supports data rates of under 20Kbps.
- 3G cellular
- A modified version of 2G cellular that offers better support for data communications, such as higher data rates.
- 802.11
- A standard published by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) that defines the radio characteristics and operation of a medium range radio frequency local area network. Specifies the use of CSMA as the primary method for sharing access to a common air medium.
- 802.15
- A standard published by the IEEE that defines the radio characteristics and operation of wireless personal area networks. 802.15 is based on the Bluetooth specification.
- 802.16
- A standard published by the IEEE that defines the radio characteristics and operation of wireless metropolitan area networks.
- 802.3
- A standard published by the IEEE that defines the signal characteristics and operation of a wired local area network. Defines the use of CSMA, which is similar to 802.11 wireless LANs.
- access point
- A type of base station that wireless LANs use to interface wireless users to a wired network and provide roaming throughout a facility.
- ad hoc mode
- A configuration of a wireless network that allows communications directly from one user device to another, without the need to travel through a base station. Ad hoc mode applies to both wireless PANs and wireless LANs.
- analog signal
- A signal where the amplitude of the signal varies continuously as time progresses. A radio wave is an example of an analog signal.
- antenna
- a physical device that converts electrical signals to radio or light waves (and vice versa) for propagation through the air medium. Antennas may be omni-directional, which distributes radio waves in all directions, or directional, which focus the radio waves more in one direction than others.
- association
- A process whereby an 802.11 station (computer device) becomes a part of the wireless LAN. After association, the user can utilize network services.
- authentication
- The process of proving the identity of a user or base station. The use of user names and passwords is a common authentication method, but many other more sophisticated authentication mechanisms exist. For example, digital certificates can offer a means of authentication without user intervention.
- base station
- Hardware that interfaces wireless computing devices together and to a wired network. Access points and wireless routers are types of wireless LAN base stations.
- Bluetooth
- A specification published by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group that defines the radio characteristics and operation of a short range, low power radio frequency network. Many devices today support Bluetooth, but 802.15 is developing applicable standards.
- bridge
- A device that interconnects two networks at Layer 2. A bridge forwards data packets to another network based on the MAC address found in the packet header. Bridges play a key role in the deployment of wireless MANs.
- carrier sense access
- A process of sharing a common medium by first determining whether the medium is idle before transmitting data. This is part of the CSMA protocol.
- carrier signal
- The primary RF signal that “carries” data through the air medium. Various modulation types vary the carrier signal frequency, phase, or amplitude in order to represent information.
- CDMA (code division multiple access)
- A process whereby each user modulates their signals with a different, non-interfering code.
- CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data)
- A technology that enables the transmission of data over analog cell phone systems with data rates of 19.2 kbps. CDPD is becoming obsolete as newer 3G systems are becoming available.
- client device
- Hardware having a user interface that enables the use of wireless network applications. Client device is another name for computer device.
- CompactFlash (CF)
- A very small NIC for PDAs, cameras, and other small computer devices. Bluetooth and 802.11 CF NICs are readily available.
- computer device
- Any end point of a wireless network, such as a laptop, PDA, or robot. The computer device is often referred to as a client device.
- CSMA (carrier sense multiple access)
- A process that allows multiple 802.11 stations to share a common air medium. Stations attempt to only transmit data when no other station is transmitting. Otherwise, collisions will occur, and the station must retransmit the data.
- data
- Information, such as electronic files, that is stored and sent over a wireless network. Often data are sent in multiple packets, which are sent separately through the network.
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RD Glossary by Run Digital
