AMX Modero NXA-WAP200G Instruction Manual page 80

Appendix
Wireless Terminology (Cont.)
Ethernet
ESSID
Gateway
IEEE802.11
IP Address
ISP Gateway Address
(see ISP for definition)
ISP
LAN
MAC
MAC Address
Peer-to-peer network
SSID
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A standard for computer networks. Ethernet networks are connected by special
cables and hubs, and move data around at up to 100 million bits per second
(Mbps).
The identifying name of an 802.11 wireless network. When you specify your
correct ESSID in your client setup you ensure that you connect to your wireless
network rather than another network in range. (See SSID.) The ESSID can be
called by different terms, such as Network Name, Preferred Network, SSID or
Wireless LAN Service Area.
In the wireless world, a gateway is an access point with additional software
capabilities such as providing NAT and DHCP. Gateways may also provide
VPN support, roaming, firewalls, various levels of security, etc.
A set of specifications for LANs from The Institute of Electrical and Electronics
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.
WECA's focus is on 802.11b, an 11 Mbps high-rate DSSS standard for wireless
networks.
IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP Address consists of a series of four
numbers separated by periods, that identifies an single, unique Internet com-
puter host. Example: 192.34.45.8.
The ISP Gateway Address is an IP Address for the Internet router located at
the ISP's office. This address is required only when using a cable or DSL
modem.
Internet Service Provider. An ISP is a business that provides connectivity to the
Internet for individuals and other businesses or organizations.
Local Area Network. A LAN is a group of computers and devices connected
together in a relatively small area (such as a house or an office). Your home
network is considered a LAN.
Every wireless 802.11 device has its own specific MAC Address hard-coded
into it. This unique identifier can be used to provide security for wireless
networks. When a network uses a MAC table, only the 802.11 radios that have
had their MAC Addresses added to that network's MAC table will be able to get
onto the network.
MAC stands for Media Access Control. A MAC Address is the hardware
address of a device connected to a network.
A wireless or wired computer network that has no server or central hub or
router. All the networked PCs are equally able to act as a network server or
client, and each client computer can talk to all the other wireless computers
without having to go through an access point or hub. However, since there is no
central base station to monitor traffic or provide Internet access, the various
signals can collide with each other, reducing overall performance.
A 32-character unique identifier attached to the header of packets sent over a
WLAN that acts as a password when a mobile device tries to connect to the
BSS. (Also called ESSID.) The SSID differentiates one WLAN from another, so
all access points and all devices attempting to connect to a specific WLAN
must use the same SSID. A device will not be permitted to join the BSS unless
it can provide the unique SSID. Because an SSID can be sniffed in plain text
from a packet, it does not supply any security to the network. An SSID is also
referred to as a Network Name because essentially it is a name that identifies a
wireless network.
NXA-WAP200G Wireless Access Point