Wireless LAN Overview

An access point connected to a wired LAN, providing 802.11 functionality and acting as a gateway between wireless clients and the wired network.

Wireless stations that use the same SSID to connect to a BSS (Basic Service Set).

Alphanumeric, 2-32 character, case-sensitive network name; it identifies a BSS.

A set of interconnected BSSs that appear as a single BSS to the logical link control (LLC) layer.

Connects access points in an ESS to increase network coverage and allows roaming between cells.

ESSs can work on the same or different channels to boost throughput.

A local area network that uses radio waves for communication instead of cables.

Different sets of rules that govern how wireless devices communicate with each other.

A group of IEEE standards defining how wireless local area networks (WLANs) operate.

An older wireless LAN standard known for its low cost and use of 2.4 GHz frequency.

A widely used WLAN standard that offered improved speed over 802.11b, also using 2.4 GHz.

A WLAN standard using 5 GHz, offering high data rates but with limited range and susceptibility to interference.

Concerned about unauthorized access and data interception in wireless networks.

A device that creates a wireless network hotspot, allowing other devices to connect.

The act of using wireless devices (like laptops, phones) to connect to the wireless network.

A network where devices connect using physical cables.

A standard defining wireless networking protocols that minimize collisions between devices on a network.

Initial connection between a wireless device and an access point.

Transferring network connection from one access point to another.

Ending an existing connection between a wireless device and an access point.

Verifying a wireless device's identity on the network.

Protecting wireless data to prevent unauthorized access.

A name uniquely identifying a wireless local area network (WLAN).

A unique identifier for a basic service set.

A wireless LAN system that uses one or more access points (APs) to connect wireless clients.

A wireless LAN system that doesn't use an access point. Client devices communicate directly with each other.

A local area network that uses radio waves to connect devices instead of cables.

A popular wireless technology based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, often used as a synonym for wireless networking.

A central device that transmits and receives wireless signals in a WLAN, connecting wireless devices to the wired network.

A set of standards that govern how wireless devices communicate in a WLAN.

A method of transmitting data wirelessly using high-frequency radio waves.

A method of sending data by spreading the signal over a wider range of frequencies.

Uses infrared light to send data wirelessly.

Measures taken to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access and data interception.

A protocol for delivering content over wireless networks, similar to web protocols (HTTP, TCP, SSL).

A method of accessing the shared wireless medium used in WLANs, similar to CSMA/CD, but avoids collisions.

The access point in a wireless network that connects to a wired network, acting as a gateway for wireless clients.

A wireless device (like a laptop or phone) that connects to a BSS.

A unique name for a wireless network (e.g., 'MyHomeWiFi').

Multiple BSSs connected together to appear as a single network.

The 'bridge' connecting access points in an ESS.

ESSs can operate on the same or different channels to increase network speed.

A local area network using radio waves instead of cables.

A wireless network without an access point; devices communicate directly.

WLAN data transmission using low-power microwave radio signals, typically in the 18GHz frequency band.

WLAN transmission using frequency hopping or direct sequence modulation to avoid interference.

A spread spectrum technique where a signal jumps between frequencies within a range to avoid interference.

A spread spectrum method using a wide frequency band and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) for data transmission.

Set of frequency ranges reserved for ISM devices, including specific bands for WLAN operation.

WLAN transmission using infrared light for data transfer.

Infrared transmission where a signal fills an area allowing reception from multiple points.

Infrared transmission that focuses the signal to increase speed.

Infrared transmission with the highest speed, requiring a direct alignment between sender and receiver.

The client devices in an IEEE 802.11 network.

Connects wireless clients to a wired network and manages connections in a WLAN.

Different sets of rules that govern how wireless devices communicate.

IEEE standards for wireless local area networks (WLANs).

An older, low-cost WLAN standard using 2.4 GHz frequency.

A faster WLAN standard using the 2.4 GHz frequency.

A WLAN standard with high data rates, but limited range and interference.

Protecting wireless networks from unauthorized access.

A device creating a wireless network hotspot.

Using wireless devices to connect to a wireless network.

A network using physical cables for connections.

A local area network using radio waves.

Measures to prevent unauthorized access and protect data on wireless networks.

Outdated wireless security protocol (Wired Equivalent Privacy).

Improved wireless security protocol (Wi-Fi Protected Access).

Enhanced wireless security protocol (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2).

Process of scrambling data to protect it from unauthorized access.

Longer and more complex passwords offer better protection.

Standards for scrambling data on wireless networks to prevent unauthorized access.

A WiMAX standard focusing on fixed wireless broadband access; It does not support mobile devices.

An amendment to 802.16-2004 enabling mobility in WiMAX networks, often called 'mobile WiMAX'.

WiMAX is suitable for connecting Wi-Fi hotspots, providing broadband alternatives, delivering data/telecommunication services, enabling business continuity, and offering portable connectivity.

WiMAX's QoS manages connections between the base station and user device, using scheduling algorithms. Wi-Fi QoS prioritizes packets based on tags, like giving VoIP calls priority over web browsing.

WiMAX can use licensed or unlicensed spectrum, establishing point-to-point connections to the internet.

WiMAX offers both 'portable' (like cordless phone connectivity) and 'fixed' (fixed location point to point) access based on the 802.16 standards.

WiMAX is designed for long-range wireless connections, covering kilometers.

Wi-Fi utilizes unlicensed spectrum for network access.