Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wireless Router WGR614 v6
G lossary -9
202-10099-01, April 2005
PHY defines parameters such as data rates, modulation method, signaling parameters, transmitter/receiver
synchronization, etc. Within an actual radio implementation, the PHY corresponds to the radio front end and
baseband signal processing sections.
Plug and Play
A computer system feature that provides for automatic configuration of add-ons and peripheral devices such
as wireless PC Cards, printers, scanners and multimedia devices.
Proxy server
Used in larger companies and organizations to improve network operations and security, a proxy server is
able to prevent direct communication between two or more networks. The proxy server forwards allowable
data requests to remote servers and/or responds to data requests directly from stored remote server data
Range
The distance away from your access point that your wireless network can reach. Most Wi-Fi systems will
provide a range of a hundred feet or more. Depending on the environment and the type of antenna used,
Wi-Fi signals can have a range of up to mile
Residential gateway
A wireless device that connects multiple PCs, peripherals and the Internet on a home network. Most Wi-Fi
residential gateways provide DHCP and NAT as well.
RJ-45
Standard connectors used in Ethernet networks. Even though they look very similar to standard RJ-11
telephone connectors, RJ-45 connectors can have up to eight wires, whereas telephone connectors have only
four.
Roaming
Moving seamlessly from one AP coverage area to another with your laptop or desktop with no loss in
connectivity.
Rogue Access Point
"Rogue AP" is a term used to describe an unauthorized access point that is connected on the main home or
corporate network or operating in a stand-alone mode (in a parking lot or in a neighbor's building). Rogue
APs, by definition, are not under the management of network administrators and do not conform to network
security policies and may present a severe security risk. Ideally, it is best to have some type of WLAN
system that does not allow rogue access points to easily be added to an existing WLAN.
Router
A device that forwards data packets from one local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) to
another. Based on routing tables and routing protocols, routers can read the network address in each
transmitted frame and make a decision on how to send it via the most efficient route based on traffic load,
line costs, speed, bad connections, etc.