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11 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter
Terminology
The following is a list of terminology used in this document.
Access Point – An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and
wireless networks.
Ad Hoc – An ad hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers each with LAN adapters,
connected as an independent wireless LAN.
BSS – BSS stands for "Basic Service Set." It is an access point and all the LAN PCs
that are associated with it.
CSMA/CA – Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance.
Data Frame – Packets transmitted/received by the device that carry data (see
Management Frame on the next page.
ESS – ESS (ESS-ID, SSID) stands for "Extended Service Set." More than one BSS
is configured to become an Extended Service Set. LAN mobile users can roam
between different BSSs in an ESS (ESS-ID, SSID).
Ethernet – A popular local area data communications network, which accepts
transmissions from computers and terminals. Ethernet operates on a 10 Mbps
baseband transmission rate, using shielded coaxial cable or twisted-pair cable.
Fragmentation Threshold – In the 802.11 Standard, the MAC Layer may fragment
and reassemble directed MSDUs or MMPDUs. The fragmentation and
defragmentation mechanisms allow for fragment re-transmission.
Preamble Type – Some Access Points and Client card drivers have a radio setting
for "Short" RF Preamble. If all the Clients and Access points in your wireless
network have this feature, then enabling it can boost your throughput. However, if a
radio does not support this feature, then it will not be able to communicate with any
other radios that have this set to "Short".
Infrastructure – An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure
configuration.
Management Frame – Control frame for establishing a link between an access point
and a client station. It includes Beacon, Probe, Authentication, and Association
frames.
MSDUs – MAC Service Data Units.
MMPDUs – MAC Management Protocol Data Units.
Roaming – A wireless LAN mobile user moves around an ESS and maintains a
continuous connection to the Infrastructure network.
RTS Threshold – Transmitters contending for the medium may not be aware of each
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