U MEDIA Communications WAP200A 11g High Power Wireless AP/Bridge User Manual Manual
U-MEDIA Communications, Inc. 11g High Power Wireless AP/Bridge Manual
Manual
11g High Power Wireless AP/Bridge
WAP-200A
User Manual
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm
between the radiator & your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
U-MEDIA declares that WAP -200A ( FCC ID: SI5WAP200A ) is limited in CH1~CH11 for 2.4
GHz by specified firmware controlled in U.S.A.
Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected under interna-
tional copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material con-
tained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of the author.
Copyright 2006
Trademark recognition
All product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners and are
acknowledged.
1
Table of Contents
Getting Started with the WAP-200A.................................3
Package Contents .............................................4
Minimum System Requirements ................................. 4
Wireless LAN Networking ..........................................5
Introduction.....................................................9
Features......................................................9
Hardware Overview ...............................................10
Rear Panel...................................................10
LEDs.........................................................11
Installation Considerations ..................................12
Getting Started ..............................................12
Using the Configuration Menu.....................................13
Information..................................................14
Stations.....................................................16
Wireless.....................................................17
WDS......................................................... 20
Security.....................................................21
Access.......................................................23
Admin........................................................25
Advanced.....................................................27
Glossary........................................................29
2
Getting Started with the WAP-200A
Congratulations on purchasing the WAP-200A! This manual provides information for setting up
and configuring the WAP-200A. This manual is intended for both home users and professionals.
The following conventions are used in this manual:
THE NOTE SYMBOL INDICATES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE
TOPIC AT HAND.
THE TIP SYMBOL INDICATES HELPFULL INFORMATION AND TIPS TO
IMPROVE YOUR NETWORK EXPERIENCE.
THE CAUTION SYMBOL ALERTS YOU TO SITUATIONS THAT MAY
DEGRADE YOUR NETWORKING EXPERIENCE OR COMPROMISE
LIKE NOTES AND TIPS, THE IMPORTANT SYMBOL INDICATES
INFORMATION THAT CAN IMPROVE NETWORKING. THIS INFORMATION
SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED.
3
Package Contents
z WAP-200A Wireless AP/Bridge
z CAT-5 Ethernet Cable ( the WAP-200A’s Ethernet ports is Auto-MDIX)
z Power Adapter (5.0V, 2A)
z CD-ROM with Manual
z Quick Installation Guide
Using a power supply with a different voltage than the one included with your
product will cause damage and void the warranty for this product.
Minimum System Requirements
z Computers with Windows, Macintosh, or Linux-based operating systems with an installed
Ethernet adapter and CD-ROM.
z Internet Explorer Version 6.0 or Netscape Navigator Version 7.0 and Above
4
Wireless LAN Networking
This section provides background information on wireless LAN networking technology. Consult
the “Glossary” for definitions of the terminology used in this section.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE. CHANGING
NETWORK SETTINGS AND PARTICULARLY SECURITY SETTTINGS SHOULD ONLY
BE DONE BY AN AUTHORIZED ADMINISTRATOR.
Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate)
The WAP-200A provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. Options
include Best (Auto), 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 22
Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps and 54 Mbps. In most networking scenarios, the factory
default Best (Auto) setting proves the most efficient. This setting allows your WAP-200A to
operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication quality drops below a
certain level, the WAP-200A automatically switches to a lower transmission (data) rate.
Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more reliable. However, when the communication
quality improves again, the WAP-200A gradually increases the transmission (data) rate again until it
reaches the highest available transmission rate.
Types of Wireless Networks
Wireless LAN networking works in either of the two modes: ad-hoc and infrastructure. In infra-
structure mode, wireless devices communicate to a wired LAN via access points. Each access
point and its wireless devices are known as a Basic Service Set (BSS). An Extended Service Set
(ESS) is two or more BSSs in the same subnet. In ad hoc mode (also known as peer-to-peer
mode), wireless devices communicate with each other directly and do not use an access point.
This is an Independent BSS (IBSS).
To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using access points, set the WAP-200A
operation mode to Infrastructure (BSS). To set up an independent wireless workgroup without an
access point, use Ad-hoc (IBSS) mode.
AD-HOC (IBSS) NETWORK
Ad-hoc mode does not require an access point or a wired network. Two or more wireless stations
communicate directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may sometimes be referred to as an
Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS).
5
To set up an ad-hoc network, configure all the stations in ad-hoc mode. Use the same SSID and
channel for each station.
6
When a number of wireless stations are connected using a single access point, you have a Basic
Service Set (BSS).
In the ESS diagram below, communication is done through the access points, which relay data
packets to other wireless stations or devices connected to the wired network. Wireless stations
can then access resources, such as a printer, on the wired network.
In an ESS environment, users are able to move from one access point to another without losing the
7
connection. In the diagram below, when the user moves from BSS (1) to BSS (2) the WAP-200A
automatically switches to the channel used in BSS (2).
Roaming in an ESS network diagram
8
Introduction
The WAP-200A Wireless AP/Bridge is an 802.11g high-gain, wireless AP that supports high-speed
wireless networking at home, at work or in public places.
The 802.11g standard is backwards compatible with 802.11b products. This means that you do not
need to change your entire network to maintain connectivity. You may sacrifice some of 802.11g’s
speed when you mix 802.11b and 802.11g devices, but you will not lose the ability to communicate
when you incorporate the 802.11g standard into your 802.11b network. You may choose to slowly
change your network by gradually replacing the 802.11b devices with 802.11g devices.
Hardware Overview
At Real Panel
DC-IN
The DC power input connector is a single jack socket to supply power to the WAP-200A.
Please use the Power Adapter provided on the WAP-200A package.
Auto MDI/MDIX LAN Ports
This port automatically senses the cable type when connecting to Router.
Reset Button
Pressing the reset button restores the AP to its original factory default settings.
LEDs
z PWR
ON: Power ON
OFF: Power OFF
z SYS
9
Blinking: Device is not ready or system booting
ON: system ready after booting
z ETHN
OFF: Has no Ethernet connection
ON: 10M/100M connection
Blinking: sending/receiving data
z WLAN
Blinking: Data TX/RX through wireless access point
OFF: PWR OFF or wireless module disconnected
ON: Wireless Connected
Flashing: Wireless is scanning, keeping trying to get associated with desired Access Point. In
Share Key mode, or WPA/WPA2 mode, the LED should keep flashing before
authenticated and associated. The Flashing frequency should be 1time/0.5 Sec.
It must be very easily to be distinguished from Blinking.
z Signal
Flashing: The Signal LED is GPIO Configurable. Steady on: Link Quality > 80%;
Flashes 1 time/Sec: 80%<Link Quality <60%; 2times/Sec: 60%<Link Quaility<30%;
4times/Sec: Link Quality <30% Off: Wireless is Not connected
Installation Considerations
The WAP-200A Wireless AP/Bridge lets you access your network, using a wireless connection, from
virtually anywhere within its operating range. Keep in mind, however, that the number, thickness and
location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through, may limit the
range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency)
noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing wireless range is to follow these basic
guidelines:
1 Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the WAP-200A and other network devices to a
minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet
(1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
2 Be aware of the direct line between network devices. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at
a 45-degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks
over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Position devices so that the signal will travel straight through a
wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better reception.
3 Building Materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid metal door or aluminum studs may
have a negative effect on range. Try to position wireless devices and computers with wireless
adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
4 Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances
that generate extreme RF noise.
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Getting Started
For a typical wireless setup at home, please do the following:
1. Plug the power adapter to outlay, and connect the power jack to the WAP-200A.
2. Connect the Ethernet LAN port of the WAP-200A to your PC.
3. Open your web browser, and type http://192.168.0.100 to login WAP-200A.
4. When the authentication window is popped up, type the admin for the username, and leave the
password as blank, then type enter to login the web page of the WAP-200A.
5. Configure the desired wireless setting.
6. Connect the Ethernet port of the WAP-200A to your router.
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Using the Configuration Menu
Whenever you want to configure your WAP-200A, you can access the Configuration Menu by opening
the Web-browser and typing in the IP Address of the WAP-200A. The WAP-200A’s default IP Address
is http://192.168.0.100.
¾ Open the Web browser.
¾ Type in the IP Address of the AP (http://192.168.0.100).
If you have changed the default IP Address assigned to the WAP-200A, make sure to
enter the correct IP Address.
¾ Type admin in the User Name field.
¾ Leave the Password blank.
¾ Click Login In.
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Information
Access Point Name
Model name of this Access Point
MAC Address
The Ethernet ID (MAC address) of the wireless client.
Firmware version
Current firmware version of this Access Point
SSID
When you are browsing for available wireless networks, this is the name that will appear in the
list. For security purposes, it is highly recommended to change from the pre-configured
network name.
Current transmit rate
Current setting for wireless transmit rate
Current channel
Current setting of wireless channel
Security
Current setting of wireless security mode
IP address
The IP address of the access point.
Stations
This section shows you a list of MAC address of stations that have associated to this Access Point.
Wireless
This wireless section is used to configure the wireless settings for your Wireless AP. Please note that
changes made on this section may also need to be duplicated on your Wireless Client.
13
Wireless On/Off
This option turns off and on the wireless connection feature of the AP.
Wireless Network Name
When you are browsing for available wireless networks, this is the name that will appear in the
list (unless Visibility Status is set to invisible, see below). This name is also referred to as the
SSID. For security purposes, it is highly recommended to change from the pre-configured
network name.
Visibility Status
The Invisible option allows you to hide your wireless network. When this option is set to Visible,
your wireless network name is broadcast to anyone within the range of your signal. If you're not
using encryption then they could connect to your network. When Invisible mode is enabled,
you must enter the Wireless Network Name (SSID) on the client manually to connect to the
network.
Transmission Rate
By default the fastest possible transmission rate will be selected. You have the option of
selecting the speed if necessary.
802.11 Mode
If all of your devices can connect in 802.11g Mode, you can change the mode to 802.11g only.
If you have some devices that are 802.11b, leave the setting at Mixed.
Adaptive Radio Selection
Check this box to enable Adaptive Radio feature in Dynamic Turbo mode.
Auto Channel Select
If you select this option, the AP automatically finds the channel with least interference and uses
that channel for wireless networking. If you disable this option, the AP uses the channel that
you specify with the following Channel option.
Channel
A wireless network uses specific channels in the 2.4GHz wireless spectrum to handle
communication between clients. Some channels in your area may have interference from other
electronic devices. Choose the clearest channel to help optimize the performance and
coverage of your wireless network.
WDS
Wireless Distribution System (WDS). When WDS is enabled, this access point functions as a wireless
repeater and is able to wirelessly communication with other APs.
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Enable WDS
When WDS is enabled, this access point functions as a wireless repeater and is able to
wirelessly communicate with other APs via WDS links. Note that WDS is incompatible with
WPA -- both features cannot be used at the same time. A WDS link is bidirectional; so this AP
must know the MAC Address (creates the WDS link) of the other AP, and the other AP must
have a WDS link back to this AP.
AP MAC Address #
Specifies one-half of the WDS link. The other AP must also have the MAC address of this AP
to create the WDS link back to this AP.
Security
On this section you can set the 802.11g security and encryption options. Any new settings will not take
effect until the device is rebooted.
WPA Enable
Select to enable WPA function
WPA Mode
WPA is the older standard; select this option if the clients that will be used with the AP only
support the older standard. WPA2 is the newer implementation of the stronger IEEE 802.11i
security standard. With the "WPA2" option, the AP tries WPA2 first, but falls back to WPA if the
client only supports WPA. With the "WPA2 Only" option, the AP associates only with clients that
also support WPA2 security.
Cipher Type
The encryption algorithm used to secure the data communication. TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity
Protocol) provides per-packet key generation and is based on WEP. AES (Advanced
Encryption Standard) is a very secure block based encryption. With the "TKIP and AES" option,
the AP negotiates the cipher type with the client, and uses AES when available.
PSK
The key is entered as a pass-phrase of up to 63 alphanumeric characters in ASCII (American
Standard Code for Information Interchange) format at both ends of the wireless connection. It
cannot be shorter than eight characters, although for proper security it needs to be of ample
length and should not be a commonly known phrase. This phrase is used to generate session
keys that are unique for each wireless client.
WPA Group Key Update Interval
The interval defines how frequent the key used for broadcast/multicast will be changed. Unit:
second
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Access
On this section you can enable Access Control. If enabled, only the MAC addresses entered into the
“MAC address” boxes are allowed to associate to this AP. Note that you can cut and paste the
addresses from the “Station List” page into MAC address boxes. Any new settings will not take effect
until the device is rebooted.
Enable Access Control
By default, the Access Control feature is disabled. If you need Access Control, check this
option.
MAC Address #
MAC addresses entered into the “MAC address” boxes are allowed to associate to this
AP.
Admin
On this section you can configure the IP address used by the Web server running on this device. For
“static” mode, the IP address settings are given here. For “DHCP” mode, these settings are supplied
by a DHCP server on your network. You can also change the password, reboot the device, or reset all
settings to their factory defaults. If you have changed any settings it is necessary to reboot the device
for the new settings to take effect.
Firmware Upgrade
Note: Firmware upgrade cannot be performed from a wireless device. To perform an upgrade,
ensure that you are using a PC that is connected to the AP by wire.
Note: Some firmware upgrades reset the AP's configuration options to the factory defaults.
Upload
Once you have a firmware update on your computer, use this option to browse for the file and
then upload the information into the AP.
Device name
This is the name that the device will use to identify itself.
IP Address Mode
Select “DHCP” to get the IP settings from a DHCP server on your network. Select “Static” to
use the IP settings specified on this section.
Default IP address
16
When configure as Static IP address mode, it defines the IP address of your device.
Default subnet mask
When configure as Static IP address mode, it defines the subnet mask specifies the network
number portion of an IP address.
Default gateway
When configure as Static IP address mode, it defines the IP address of the gateway that
connects you to the internet.
Security
User name
This is the user name that you must type when logging in to these web pages.
Administrator password
This is the password that you must type when logging in to these web pages. You must enter
same password into both boxes, for confirmation.
Advanced
On this section you can configure the advanced 802.11g wireless settings. If you have changed any
settings it is necessary to reboot the device for the new settings to take effect.
Fragmentation Threshold
This setting should remain at its default value of 2346. Setting the Fragmentation value too low
may result in poor performance.
RTS Threshold
This setting should remain at its default value of 2346. If you encounter inconsistent data flow,
only minor modifications to the value are recommended.
Beacon Period
Beacons are packets sent by a wireless AP to synchronize wireless devices. Specify a Beacon
Period value between 20 and 1000. The default value is set to 100 milliseconds.
DTIM Interval
A DTIM is a countdown informing clients of the next window for listening to broadcast and
multicast messages. When the wireless AP has buffered broadcast or multicast messages for
associated clients, it sends the next DTIM with a DTIM Interval value. Wireless clients detect
the beacons and awaken to receive the broadcast and multicast messages. The default value
is 1. Valid settings are between 1 and 255.
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Glossary
A
Access Control List
ACL. This is a database of network devices that are allowed to access resources on the
network.
Access Point
AP. Device that allows wireless clients to connect to it and access the network
Ad-hoc network
Peer-to-Peer network between wireless clients
Address Resolution Protocol
ARP. Used to map MAC addresses to IP addresses so that conversions can be made in both
directions.
Advanced Encryption Standard
AES. Government encryption standard
Alphanumeric
Characters A-Z and 0-9
Antenna
Used to transmit and receive RF signals.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. This system of characters is most
commonly used for text files
Attenuation
The loss in strength of digital and analog signals. The loss is greater when the signal is being
transmitted over long distances.
Authentication
To provide credentials, like a Password, in order to verify that the person or device is really
who they are claiming to be
Automatic Private IP Addressing
APIPA. An IP address that that a Windows computer will assign itself when it is configured to
obtain an IP address automatically but no DHCP server is available on the network
B
Backward Compatible
19
The ability for new devices to communicate and interact with older legacy devices to guarantee
interoperability
Bandwidth
The maximum amount of bytes or bits per second that can be transmitted to and from a
network device
Beacon
A data frame by which one of the stations in a Wi-Fi network periodically broadcasts network
control data to other wireless stations.
Bit rate
The amount of bits that pass in given amount of time
Bit/sec
Bits per second
BOOTP
Bootstrap Protocol. Allows for computers to be booted up and given an IP address with no user
intervention
Broadcast
Transmitting data in all directions at once
Browser
A program that allows you to access resources on the web and provides them to you
graphically
C
CAT 5
Category 5. Used for 10/100 Mbps or 1Gbps Ethernet connections
Client
A program or user that requests data from a server
Collision
When do two devices on the same Ethernet network try and transmit data at the exact same
time.
Cookie
Information that is stored on the hard drive of your computer that holds your preferences to the
site that gave your computer the cookie
D
Data
20
Information that has been translated into binary so that it can be processed or moved to
another device
Data-Link layer
The second layer of the OSI model. Controls the movement of data on the physical link of a
network
dBd
Decibels related to dipole antenna
dBi
Decibels relative to isotropic radiator
dBm
Decibels relative to one milliwatt
Decrypt
To unscramble an encrypted message back into plain text
Default
A predetermined value or setting that is used by a program when no user input has been
entered for this value or setting
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: Used to automatically assign IP addresses from a
predefined pool of addresses to computers or devices that request them
Digital certificate:
An electronic method of providing credentials to a server in order to have access to it or a
network
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
DSSS: Modulation technique used by 802.11b wireless devices
DNS
Domain Name System: Translates Domain Names to IP addresses
Domain name
A name that is associated with an IP address
Download
To send a request from one computer to another and have the file transmitted back to the
requesting computer
Duplex
Sending and Receiving data transmissions at the sane time
21
Dynamic IP address
IP address that is assigned by a DHCP server and that may change. Cable Internet providers
usually use this method to assign IP addresses to their customers.
E
EAP
Extensible Authentication Protocol
Encryption
Converting data into cyphertext so that it cannot be easily read
Ethernet
The most widely used technology for Local Area Networks.
F
File server
A computer on a network that stores data so that the other computers on the network can all
access it
File sharing
Allowing data from computers on a network to be accessed by other computers on the network
with different levels of access rights
Firewall
A device that protects resources of the Local Area Network from unauthorized users outside of
the local network
Firmware
Programming that is inserted into a hardware device that tells it how to function
Fragmentation
Breaking up data into smaller pieces to make it easier to store
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. Easiest way to transfer files between computers on the Internet
Full-duplex
Sending and Receiving data at the same time
G
Gain
The amount an amplifier boosts the wireless signal
Gateway
22
A device that connects your network to another, like the internet
Gbps
Gigabits per second
Gigabit Ethernet
Transmission technology that provides a data rate of 1 billion bits per second
GUI
Graphical user interface
H
Half-duplex
Data cannot be transmitted and received at the same time
Hashing
Transforming a string of characters into a shorter string with a predefined length
Hexadecimal
Characters 0-9 and A-F
Hop
The action of data packets being transmitted from one AP to another
Host
Computer on a network
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol is used to transfer files from HTTP servers (web servers) to HTTP
clients (web browsers)
HTTPS
HTTP over SSL is used to encrypt and decrypt HTTP transmissions
Hub
A networking device that connects multiple devices together
I
ICMP
Internet Control Message Protocol
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IGMP
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Internet Group Management Protocol is used to make sure that computers can report their
multicast group membership to adjacent APs
IIS
Internet Information Server is a WEB server and FTP server provided by Microsoft
Infrastructure
In terms of a wireless network, this is when wireless clients use an Access Point to gain access
to the network
Internet
A system of worldwide networks which use TCP/IP to allow for resources to be accessed from
computers around the world
Internet Explorer
A World Wide Web browser created and provided by Microsoft
Internet Protocol
The method of transferring data from one computer to another on the Internet
Internet Protocol Security
IPsec provides security at the packet processing layer of network communication
Internet Service Provider
An ISP provides access to the Internet to individuals or companies
Intranet
A private network
Intrusion Detection
A type of security that scans a network to detect attacks coming from inside and outside of the
network
IP
Internet Protocol
IP address
A 32-bit number, when talking about Internet Protocol Version 4, that identifies each computer
that transmits data on the Internet or on an Intranet
IPsec
Internet Protocol Security
IPX
Internetwork Packet Exchange is a networking protocol developed by Novel to enable their
Netware clients and servers to communicate
24
ISP
Internet Service Provider
J
Java
A programming language used to create programs and applets for web pages
K
Kbps
Kilobits per second
Kbyte
Kilobyte
L
LAN
Local Area Network
Latency
The amount of time that it takes a packet to get from the one point to another on a network.
Also referred to as delay
LED
Light Emitting Diode
Legacy
Older devices or technology
Local Area Network
A group of computers in a building that usually access files from a server
LPR/LPD
"Line Printer Requestor"/"Line Printer Daemon". A TCP/IP protocol for transmitting streams of
printer data.
L2TP
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol
M
MAC address
A unique hardware ID assigned to every Ethernet adapter by the manufacturer.
Mbps
Megabits per second
25
MDI
Medium Dependent Interface is an Ethernet port for a connection to a straight-through cable
MDIX
Medium Dependent Interface Crossover, is an Ethernet port for a connection to a crossover
cable
MIB
Management Information Base is a set of objects that can be managed by using SNMP
Modem
A device that Modulates digital signals from a computer to an analog signal in order to transmit
the signal over phone lines. It also Demodulates the analog signals coming from the phone
lines to digital signals for your computer
MPPE
Microsoft Point-to-Point Encryption is used to secure data transmissions over PPTP
connections
MTU
Maximum Transmission Unit is the largest packet that can be transmitted on a packet-based
network like the Internet
Multicast
Sending data from one device to many devices on a network
N
NAT
Network Address Translation allows many private IP addresses to connect to the Internet, or
another network, through one IP address
NetBEUI
NetBIOS Extended User Interface is a Local Area Network communication protocol. This is an
updated version of NetBIOS
NetBIOS
Network Basic Input/Output System
Netmask
Determines what portion of an IP address designates the Network and which part designates
the Host
Network Interface Card
A card installed in a computer or built onto the motherboard that allows the computer to
connect to a network
26
Network Layer
The third layer of the OSI model which handles the routing of traffic on a network
Network Time Protocol
Used to synchronize the time of all the computers in a network
NIC
Network Interface Card
NTP
Network Time Protocol
O
OFDM
Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing is the modulation technique for both 802.11a and
802.11g
OSI
Open Systems Interconnection is the reference model for how data should travel between two
devices on a network
OSPF
Open Shortest Path First is a routing protocol that is used more than RIP in larger scale
networks because only changes to the routing table are sent to all the other APs in the network
as opposed to sending the entire routing table at a regular interval, which is how RIP functions
P
Password
A sequence of characters that is used to authenticate requests to resources on a network
Personal Area Network
The interconnection of networking devices within a range of 10 meters
Physical layer
The first layer of the OSI model. Provides the hardware means of transmitting electrical signals
on a data carrier
Ping
A utility program that verifies that a given Internet address exists and can receive messages.
The utility sends a control packet to the given address and waits for a response.
PoE
Power over Ethernet is the means of transmitting electricity over the unused pairs in a category
5 Ethernet cable
27
Port
A logical channel endpoint in a network. A computer might have only one physical channel (its
Ethernet channel) but can have multiple ports (logical channels) each identified by a number.
PPP
Point-to-Point Protocol is used for two computers to communicate with each over a serial
interface, like a phone line
PPPoE
Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet is used to connect multiple computers to a remote server
over Ethernet
PPTP
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol is used for creating VPN tunnels over the Internet between
two networks
Preamble
Used to synchronize communication timing between devices on a network
Q
QoS
Quality of Service
R
RADIUS
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service allows for remote users to dial into a central server
and be authenticated in order to access resources on a network
Reboot
To restart a computer and reload it's operating software or firmware from nonvolatile storage.
Rendezvous
Apple's version of UPnP, which allows for devices on a network to discover each other and be
connected without the need to configure any settings
Repeater
Retransmits the signal of an Access Point in order to extend it's coverage
RIP
Routing Information Protocol is used to synchronize the routing table of all the APs on a
network
RJ-11
The most commonly used connection method for telephones
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RJ-45
The most commonly used connection method for Ethernet
RS-232C
The interface for serial communication between computers and other related devices
RSA
Algorithm used for encryption and authentication
S
Server
A computer on a network that provides services and resources to other computers on the
network
Session key
An encryption and decryption key that is generated for every communication session between
two computers
Session layer
The fifth layer of the OSI model which coordinates the connection and communication between
applications on both ends
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
Used for sending and receiving email
Simple Network Management Protocol
Governs the management and monitoring of network devices
SIP
Session Initiation Protocol. A standard protocol for initiating a user session that involves
multimedia content, such as voice or chat.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol
SOHO
Small Office/Home Office
SPI
Stateful Packet Inspection
SSH
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Secure Shell is a command line interface that allows for secure connections to remote
computers
SSID
Service Set Identifier is a name for a wireless network
Stateful inspection
A feature of a firewall that monitors outgoing and incoming traffic to make sure that only valid
responses to outgoing requests are allowed to pass though the firewall
Subnet mask
Determines what portion of an IP address designates the Network and which part designates
the Host
Syslog
System Logger -- a distributed logging interface for collecting in one place the logs from
different sources. Originally written for UNIX, it is now available for other operating systems,
including Windows.
T
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
TCP Raw
A TCP/IP protocol for transmitting streams of printer data.
TFTP
Trivial File Transfer Protocol is a utility used for transferring files that is simpler to use than FTP
but with less features
Throughput
The amount of data that can be transferred in a given time period
Traceroute
A utility displays the routes between you computer and specific destination
U
UDP
User Datagram Protocol
Unicast
Communication between a single sender and receiver
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Universal Plug and Play
A standard that allows network devices to discover each other and configure themselves to be
a part of the network
Upgrade
To install a more recent version of a software or firmware product
Upload
To send a request from one computer to another and have a file transmitted from the
requesting computer to the other
UPnP
Universal Plug and Play
URL
Uniform Resource Locator is a unique address for files accessible on the Internet
USB
Universal Serial Bus
UTP
Unshielded Twisted Pair
V
Virtual Private Network
VPN: A secure tunnel over the Internet to connect remote offices or users to their company's
network
VLAN
Virtual LAN
Voice over IP
Sending voice information over the Internet as opposed to the PSTN
VoIP
Voice over IP
W
Wake on LAN
Allows you to power up a computer though it's Network Interface Card
WAN
Wide Area Network
WCN
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Windows Connect Now. A Microsoft method for configuring and bootstrapping wireless
networking hardware (access points) and wireless clients, including PCs and other devices.
WDS
Wireless Distribution System. A system that enables the interconnection of access points
wirelessly.
Web browser
A utility that allows you to view content and interact with all of the information on the World
Wide Web
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy is security for wireless networks that is supposed to be comparable
to that of a wired network
Wi-Fi
Wireless Fidelity
Wi-Fi Protected Access
An updated version of security for wireless networks that provides authentication as well as
encryption
Wide Area Network
The larger network that your LAN is connected to, which may be the Internet itself, or a
regional or corporate network
Wireless ISP
A company that provides a broadband Internet connection over a wireless connection
Wireless LAN
Connecting to a Local Area Network over one of the 802.11 wireless standards
WISP
Wireless Internet Service Provider
WLAN
Wireless Local Area Network
WPA
Wi-Fi Protected Access. A Wi-Fi security enhancement that provides improved data encryption,
relative to WEP.
X
xDSL
A generic term for the family of digital subscriber line (DSL) technologies, such as ADSL,
HDSL, RADSL, and SDSL.
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Y
Yagi antenna
A directional antenna used to concentrate wireless signals on a specific location
Z
#
1
802.11
A family of specifications for wireless local area networks (WLANs) developed by a working
group of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
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