NETGEAR WG302 - 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point Reference Manual page 77

Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
NetBIOS
for sharing services
Network Basic Input Output System. An application programming interface (API)
and information on l
ocal-area networks (LANs). Provides for communication between stations of a
network where each station is given a name. These names are alphanumeric names, 16 characters in length.
netmask
Combined with the IP address, the IP Subnet Mask allows a device to know which other addresses are local
to it, and which must be reached through a gateway or router.
A number that explains which part of an IP address comprises the network address and which part is the host
address on that network. It can be expressed in dotted-decimal notation or as a number appended to the IP
address. For example, a 28-bit mask starting from the MSB can be shown as 255.255.255.192 or as /28
appended to the IP address.
Network Address Translation
A technique by which several hosts share a single IP address for access to the Internet.
packet
A block of information sent over a network. A packet typically contains a source and destination network
address, some protocol and length information, a block of data, and a checksum.
Point-to-Point Protocol
PPP. A protocol allowing a computer using TCP/IP to connect directly to the Internet.
RADIUS
Short for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, RADIUS is an authentication system.
Using RADIUS, you must enter your user name and password before gaining access to a network. This
information is passed to a RADIUS server, which checks that the information is correct, and then authorizes
access. Though not an official standard, the RADIUS specification is maintained by a working group of the
IETF.
RIP
A protocol in which routers periodically exchange information with one another so that they can determine
minimum distance paths between sources and destinations.
router
A device that forwards data between networks. An IP router forwards data based on IP source and
destination addresses.
SSID
A Service Set Identification is a thirty-two character (maximum) alphanumeric key identifying a wireless
local area network. For the wireless devices in a network to communicate with each other, all devices must
be configured with the same SSID.
Glossary
5
December 2003