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Glossary
10BaseT
An IEEE standard (802.3) for operating 10 Mbps Ethernet networks (LANs) with twisted pair
cabling and a wiring hub.
Access Point
An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks. Access Points
combined with a distributed system support the creation of multiple radio cells that enable
roaming throughout a facility.
Ad-Hoc
A network composed solely of stations within mutual communication range of each other (no
Access Point connected).
BSS
Basic Service Set. A set of stations controlled by a single coordination function.
Channel
A medium used to pass protocol data units that can be used simultaneously in the same volume
of space by other channels of the same physical layer, with an acceptably low frame error ratio
due to mutual interference.
Encapsulated
An Ethernet address mode that treats the entire Ethernet packet as a whole and places it inside
an 802.11 frame along with a new header.
ESS
Extended Service Set. A set of one or more interconnected Basic Service Sets (BSSs) and
integrated Local Area Networks (LANs) can be configured as an Extended Service Set.
Ethernet
The most widely used medium access method, which is defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard.
Ethernet is normally a shared media LAN; i.e., all the devices on the network segment share
total bandwidth. Ethernet networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD to run over 10BaseT
cables.
Gateway
A network component that acts as an entrance to another network.
IEEE 802.11
The IEEE 802.xx is a set of specifications for LANs from the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Most wired networks conform to 802.3, the specification for
CSMA/CD-based Ethernet networks or 802.5, the specification for token ring networks. 802.11
defines the standard for wireless LANs encompassing three incompatible (non-interoperable)
technologies: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
(DSSS), and Infrared. IEEE standards ensure interoperability between systems of the same type.
Infrastructure
A wireless network centered about an Access Point. In this environment, the Access Point not
only provides communication with the wired network but also mediates wireless network traffic
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