Glossary - Siemens GIGASET 54 User Manual

Glossary

Glossary
Access Point
An Access Point, such as the Gigaset SE 505 dsl/cable, is the centre of a wireless local
network (WLAN). It handles the connection of the wireless linked network components
and regulates the data traffic in the wireless network. The Access Point also serves as an
interface to other networks, e.g. an already existing Ethernet LAN or via a modem to the
Internet. The operating mode of wireless networks with an Access Point is called Infra-
structure mode.
Ad-hoc mode
Ad-hoc modus describes wireless local networks (WLAN) in which the network compo-
nents set up a spontaneous network without an Access Point, e.g. several notebooks in
a conference. All the network components are peers. They must have a wireless network
adapter.
Authentication
Authentication checks the true identity of a PC using a particular property.
Bridge
A Bridge connects several network segments to form a joint network, e.g. to make a TCP/
IP network. The segments can have different physical characteristics, e.g. different link-
ing such as Ethernet and wireless LANs. Linking individual segments using Bridges
allows local networks of practically unlimited size.
See also Gateway, Hub, Router, Switch
Broadcast
A Broadcast is a data packet not directed to a particular recipient but to all the network
components on the network. The Gigaset SE 505 dsl/cable does not pass broadcast
packets on; they always remain within the local network (LAN) it administers.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DHCP handles the automatic assignment of IP addresses to network components. It was
developed because in large networks – especially the Internet – the defining of IP
addresses is very complex as participants frequently move, drop out or new ones join.
A DHCP Server automatically assigns the connected network components (DHCP cli-
ents) dynamic addresses from a defined IP pool range thus saving a great deal of con-
figuration work. In addition, the address blocks can be used more effectively: since not
all participants are on the network at the same time, the same IP address can be
assigned to different network components in succession as and when required.
The Gigaset SE 505 dsl/cable includes a DHCP Server and so it can automatically assign
IP addresses for the PCs on its local network. For certain PCs you can specify that their
IP addresses are never changed.
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