RD Glossary
C
- 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.
RD Glossary by Run Digital
