ECS IEEE 802.11b WLAN Mini USB Adapter User Manual page 21

Ethernet
Ethernet is a 10/100Mbps network that runs over dedicated home/office
wiring. Users must be wired to the network at all times to gain access.
Gateway
A gateway is a hardware and software device that connects two dissimilar
systems, such as a LAN and a mainframe. In Internet terminology, a gate-
way is another name for a router. Generally a gateway is used as a funnel
for all traffic to the Internet.
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Infrastructure
An integrated wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure
configuration. Infrastructure is applicable to enterprise scale for wireless
access to central database, or wireless application for mobile workers.
ISM Band
The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside band-
width for unlicensed use in the so-called ISM (Industrial, Scientific and
Medical) band. Spectrum in the vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being
made available worldwide. This presents a truly revolutionary opportunity
to place convenient high-speed wireless capabilities in the hands of users
around the globe.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with the appropriate net-
work adapter card connected by cable/air, that share applications, data,
and peripherals. All connections are made via cable or wireless media,
but a LAN does not use telephone services. It typically spans a single
building or campus.
Network
A network is a system of computers that is connected. Data, files, and
messages can be transmitted over this network. Networks may be local or
wide area networks.
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