RD Glossary
- LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)
- A protocol that enables accessing information directories.
- location-based services
- The ability to track the location of users and deliver information to them that relates to position within a particular area.
- MAC (medium access control) layer
- A part of a network architecture that manages and maintains communications on a shared medium. The MAC layer is the brains of a NIC or base station and enforces the rules by which all devices must follow.
- medium
- The space in which communications signals, such as radio waves, propagate. With wireless networks, the medium is air.
- medium access
- A process whereby multiple computer devices share a common medium. The most common medium access method for wireless networks is CSMA.
- modulation
- Modulation creates a radio or light signal from the network data so that it is suitable for propagation through the air medium. Examples of modulation types are FSK, PSK, and QAM.
- NAT (Network Address Translation)
- A protocol that maps official IP addresses to private addresses that may be in use on their internal networks. For example, a broadband Internet service provider may offer a home only one official IP address. NAT, along with DHCP, enables the homeowner to have multiple PCs and laptops sharing the single official IP address.
- NIC (Network Interface Card)
- A hardware device that interfaces a computer device to a network. Also known as radio card and client card.
- noise floor
- The amplitude of electromagnetic signals in a particular area while the wireless network is not operating.
- OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing)
- A process that divides a modulated signal into multiple sub-carriers prior to transmission through the air medium in order to improve performance. 802.11a and 802.11g wireless LANs and some proprietary wireless MANs utilize OFDM.
- optical fiber
- A long piece of glass having a very small diameter covering that is able to carry light signals from one end to the other. An optical fiber cable has a protective coating, making it difficult to distinguish from copper-based cables.
- PC Card
- A credit card sized device that provides extended memory, modems, connectivity to external devices, and, of course, wireless network capabilities to small computer devices, such as laptops and PDAs. Many PC Cards are available that implement Bluetooth and 802.11 technologies.
- PDA (personal digital assistant)
- A small device that people can use to store contact information, schedules, and to-do lists. Some PDAs run software programs, such as email clients and web browsers.
- point-to-multipoint system
- A system whereby communications is directly from one user to several others.
- point-to-point system
- A system whereby communications is directly from one user to another.
- PSK (phase shift-keying)
- A modulation process that makes slight changes to the phase of the carrier signal in order to represent information in a way that’s suitable for propagation through the air.
- public wireless LAN
- A type of wireless LAN, often referred to as a hotspot, that anyone having a properly configured computer device can access.
- QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation)
- A modulation process that makes slight changes to the amplitude and phase of the carrier signal in order to represent information in a way that’s suitable for propagation through the air.
- radio NIC
- A type of NIC that transmits and receives RF signals.
- RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service)
- An authentication and accounting system that many WISPs use to handle access control and billing on wireless networks.
- repeater
- A device that receives and retransmits signals for the sole purpose of extending range.
- RF signal
- A radio frequency signal that is designed to propagate through the air medium.
- rogue access point
- An access point that is unauthorized and has configuration settings that may enable someone to gain access to network resources.
- router
- A type of base station that implements special networking protocols, such as DHCP and NAT, that enable users to use TCP/IP applications.
- satellite
- A signal repeater located in orbit around the Earth. Satellites offer wireless WAN coverage using radio signals.
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 Next > End >>
RD Glossary by Run Digital
