42 A111 Wireless Card Adaptor
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 - Glossary
Glossary
LAN (Local Area Network)
A communications network that serves users within a defined geographical area. The
benefits include the sharing of Internet access, files and equipment like printers and
storage devices. Special network cabling (10 Base-T) is often used to connect the PCs
together.
MAC Address (Media Access Control)
A MAC address is the hardware address of a device connected to a network.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT masks a local network’s group of IP addresses from the external network,
allowing a local network of computers to share a single ISP account. This
process allows all of the computers on your home network to use one WAN
IP address. This will enable access to the Internet from any computer on your
home network without having to purchase more IP addresses from your ISP.
NIC (Network Interface Card)
A network adapter inserted into a computer so that the computer can be
connected to a network. It is responsible for converting data stored in the
computer to the form transmitted or received.
Packet
A basic message unit for communication across a network. A packet usually includes
routing information, data, and sometimes error detection information.
Passphrase
The Wireless Settings utility uses an algorithm to generate four WEP keys
based on the typed combination.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)
The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA),
develops standards for PC cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards. These
cards are available in three types, and are about the same length and width
as credit cards. However, the different width of the cards ranges 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 various functions, including memory storage, land line
modems and wireless modems.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
PPP is a protocol for communication between computers using a serial interface, typically
a personal computer connected by phone line to a server.
PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)
Point-to-Point Protocol is a method of secure data transmission. PPP using Ethernet to
connect to an ISP.