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100-8007-141G AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge User's Guide Page 65
Quatech, Inc. Confidential
This appendix provides a glossary of wireless terminology.
802.11
Wireless standards developed by the IEEE that specify an "over-the-air"
interface for wireless Local Area Networks. 802.11 is composed of several
standards operating in different radio frequencies.
802.11b
802.11b is the international standard for wireless networking that operates in
the 2.4 GHz frequency range (2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz) and provides a
throughput of up to 11 Mbps.
802.11g
802.11g is the international standard for wireless networking that operates in
the 2.4 GHz frequency range (2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz) and provides a
throughput of up to 54 Mbps.
Access Point
An interface between a wireless network and a wired network. Access Points
can combine with a distribution system (such as Ethernet) to create multiple
radio cells (BSSs) that enable roaming throughout a facility.
Ad-Hoc mode
A wireless network composed of only stations and no Access Point.
Association service
An IEEE 802.11 service that enables the mapping of a wireless station to the
distribution system via an Access Point.
Asynchronous
transmission
Type of synchronization where there is no defined time relationship between
transmission of frames.
Authentication
The process a station uses to announce its identify to another station.
IEEE 802.11 specifies two forms of authentication: open system and shared
key.
Bandwidth
The amount of transmission capacity available on a network at any point in
time. Available bandwidth depends on several variables such as the rate of
data transmission speed between networked devices, network overhead,
number of users, and the type of device used to connect PCs to a network.
Basic Service Set
(BSS)
A set of 802.11-compliant stations that operate as a connected wireless
network.
Bits per second
(bps)
A measurement of data transmission speed over communication lines based
on the number of bits that can be sent or received per second.
BSSID
Basic Service Set Identifier. A 48-bit identifier used by all stations in a BSS in
frame headers. Usually a MAC address.
Clear channel
assessment
A function that determines the state of the wireless medium in an IEEE
802.11 network.
Client
Any computer connected to a network that requests services (files, print
capability) from another member of the network.
Direct Sequence
Spread Spectrum
(DSSS)
Combines a data signal at the sending station with a higher data rate bit
sequence, which many refer to as a “chip sequence” (also known as
“processing gain”). A high processing gain increases the signal’s resistance
to interference. The minimum processing gain that the FCC allows is 10, and
most products operate under 20.
GLOSSARY