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Glossary
Access Point
A device that allows wireless clients to connect to one another. An access point
can also act as a bridge between wireless clients and a “wired” network, such as
an Ethernet network. Wireless clients can be moved anywhere within the cover-
age area of the access point and remain connected to the network. If connected
to an Ethernet network, the access point monitors Ethernet traffic and forwards
appropriate Ethernet messages to the wireless network, while also monitoring
wireless traffic and forwarding wireless client messages to the Ethernet network.
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
A networking technology based on transferring data in fixed-size cells.
Client
A desktop or mobile computer connected to a network.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
A protocol designed to automatically assign an IP address to every computer on
the network.
DNS (Domain Name System) Server Address
Allows Internet host computers to have a domain name and one or more IP
addresses. A DNS server keeps a database of host computers and their respective
domain names and IP addresses so that when a user enters a domain name into
a Web browser, the user is sent to the proper IP address. The DNS server address
used by computers on the home network corresponds to the location of the DNS
server the ISP has assigned.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Modem
A modem that uses existing phone lines to transmit data at high speeds.
Encryption
A method to provide wireless data transmissions a level of security.
ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier)
A unique identifier for a wireless network. Also known as “SSID.”
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