Appendix B-Glossary Of Terms & Abbreviations - GE MDS iNET Series Reference Manual

APPENDIX B. GLOSSARY OF TERMS &
ABBREVIATIONS
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If you are new to wireless IP/Ethernet systems, some of the terms used in this guide may be unfamiliar. The
following glossary explains many of these terms and will prove helpful in understanding the operation of
your radio network.
Access Point (AP)—The transceiver in the network that provides synchronization information to one or
more associated Remote units. AP units may be configured for either the Access Point (master) or Remote
services. (See "Network Configuration Menu" on Page 27.)
Active Scanning—See Passive Scanning
Antenna System Gain—A figure, normally expressed in dB, representing the power increase resulting
from the use of a gain-type antenna. System losses (from the feedline and coaxial connectors, for example)
are subtracted from this figure to calculate the total antenna system gain.
AP—See Access Point
Association—Condition in which the frequency hopping pattern of the Remote is synchronized with the
Access Point station and is ready to pass traffic.
Authorization Key—Alphanumeric string (code) that is used to enable additional capabilities in the trans-
ceiver.
Bit—The smallest unit of digital data, often represented by a one or a zero. Eight bits (plus start, stop, and
parity bits) usually comprise a byte.
Bits-per-second—See BPS.
BPDU—Bridge Protocol Data Units
BPS—Bits-per-second (bps). A measure of the information transfer rate of digital data across a communi-
cation channel.
Byte—A string of digital data usually made up of eight data bits and start, stop and parity bits.
CSMA/CA—Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance
CSMA/CD—Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection
Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)—A technique used to verify data integrity. It is based on an algorithm
which generates a value derived from the number and order of bits in a data string. This value is compared
with a locally-generated value and a match indicates that the message is unchanged, and therefore valid.
Datagram—A data string consisting of an IP header and the IP message within.
dBi—Decibels referenced to an "ideal" isotropic radiator in free space. Frequently used to express antenna
gain.
dBm—Decibels referenced to one milliwatt. An absolute unit used to measure signal power, as in trans-
mitter power output, or received signal strength.
DCE—Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (or Data Communications Equipment). In data communica-
tions terminology, this is the "modem" side of a computer-to-modem connection. COM1 Port of the trans-
ceiver is set as DCE.
Decibel (dB)—A measure of the ratio between two signal levels. Frequently used to express the gain (or
loss) of a system.
Delimiter—A flag that marks the beginning and end of a data packet.
148 MDS iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. L