GLOSSARY and ACRONYMS
Access point (AP)
Transmitter/receiver (transceiver) device
that commonly connects and transports data
between a wireless network and a wired network.
Transmitter/receiver (transceiver) device
that commonly connects and transports data
between a wireless network and a wired network.
AIFS
Arbitration Interframe Space. It is one of the
five different IFSs defined to provide priority
levels for access to the wireless media. It shall
be used by QSTAs to transmit data type frames
(MPDUs) and management type frames (MMPDUs).
Arbitration Interframe Space. It is one of the
five different IFSs defined to provide priority
levels for access to the wireless media. It shall
be used by QSTAs to transmit data type frames
(MPDUs) and management type frames (MMPDUs).
BSS
IEEE 802.11 Basic Service Set (Radio Cell). The
BSS of an AP comprises of the stations directly
associating with the AP.
IEEE 802.11 Basic Service Set (Radio Cell). The
BSS of an AP comprises of the stations directly
associating with the AP.
CW
Contention Window. It is the time period between
radio signal collisions caused by simultaneous
broadcast from multiple wireless stations.
The contention window is used to compute the
random backoff of the radio broadcast. The IEEE
802.11b does not specify the unit for the time
period.
Contention Window. It is the time period between
radio signal collisions caused by simultaneous
broadcast from multiple wireless stations.
The contention window is used to compute the
random backoff of the radio broadcast. The IEEE
802.11b does not specify the unit for the time
period.
CWP Factor
Contention Window Persistence Factor. It indicates
the factor used in computing new CW values on every
15 unsuccessful attempt to transmit an MPDU or an
MMPDU of a traffic category. It is a scaling factor
in units of 1/16 ths.
Contention Window Persistence Factor. It indicates
the factor used in computing new CW values on every
15 unsuccessful attempt to transmit an MPDU or an
MMPDU of a traffic category. It is a scaling factor
in units of 1/16 ths.
IFS
Inter-Frame Space is the time interval between
frames. A STA shall determine that the medium
is idle through the use of the carrier sense
function for the interval specified. In other
words, the size of the IFS determines the length
of the backoff time interval of a device to the
medium. In this case, the medium is the radio
wave spectrum. The IEEE 802.11b standard does not
specify any unit for the time interval.
Inter-Frame Space is the time interval between
frames. A STA shall determine that the medium
is idle through the use of the carrier sense
function for the interval specified. In other
words, the size of the IFS determines the length
of the backoff time interval of a device to the
medium. In this case, the medium is the radio
wave spectrum. The IEEE 802.11b standard does not
specify any unit for the time interval.
BSS
IEEE 802.11 Basic Service Set (Radio Cell). The
MAC
Medium Access Control. Layer 2 in the network
model.
IEEE 802.11 Basic Service Set (Radio Cell). The
MAC
Medium Access Control. Layer 2 in the network
model.
MPDU
MAC protocol data unit. The unit of data exchanged
between two peer MAC entities using the services
of the physical layer (PHY).
MAC protocol data unit. The unit of data exchanged
between two peer MAC entities using the services
of the physical layer (PHY).
MMPDU
Management type MAC protocol data unit.
Management type MAC protocol data unit.
MSDU
MAC service data unit. Information that is
delivered as a unit between MAC service access
points.
MAC service data unit. Information that is
delivered as a unit between MAC service access
points.
QBSS
Quality of service basic service set.
Quality of service basic service set.
QSTA
QoS station.
QoS station.
STA (WSTA)
A non-AP IEEE 802.11 wireless station."
A non-AP IEEE 802.11 wireless station."
AES
Advanced Encryption Standard
Advanced Encryption Standard
AP
Access point
AID
Association IDentifier for wireless stations.
Access point
AID
Association IDentifier for wireless stations.
BSS
IEEE 802.11 Basic Service Set.
IEEE 802.11 Basic Service Set.
CCMP
Code Mode/CBC Mac Protocol
Code Mode/CBC Mac Protocol
CEPT
European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications Administrations.
European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications Administrations.
CRC
Cyclic Redundancy Check.
Cyclic Redundancy Check.
DSSS
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum.
EAP
Extensible Authentication Protocol.
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum.
EAP
Extensible Authentication Protocol.
ERP
Extended Rate PHY
Extended Rate PHY
FHSS
Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum.
IAPP
Inter-Access-Point Protocol.
ICV
Integrity Check Value.
Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum.
IAPP
Inter-Access-Point Protocol.
ICV
Integrity Check Value.
ISM
Industrial, Scientific, and Medical.
Industrial, Scientific, and Medical.
MBSSID
Multiple Broadcast SSID
Multiple Broadcast SSID
MIC
Message Integrity Check.
Message Integrity Check.
MMH
Multi-Modal Hashing.
OFDM
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing.
Multi-Modal Hashing.
OFDM
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing.
PHY
Physical Layer (Layer 1 in network model).
Physical Layer (Layer 1 in network model).
PLCP
Physical Layer Convergence Procedure.
Physical Layer Convergence Procedure.
PMD
Physical Medium Dependent.
Physical Medium Dependent.
PSPF
Public Secure Packet Forwarding.
Public Secure Packet Forwarding.
RF
Radio Frequency.
SS
Spread-spectrum.
SSID
Radio Service Set ID.
STA
IEEE 802.11 wireless station.
Radio Frequency.
SS
Spread-spectrum.
SSID
Radio Service Set ID.
STA
IEEE 802.11 wireless station.
U-NII
Unlicensed National information Infrastructure
VLAN
Virtual LAN.
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy.
WGB
Work-group Bridge
Unlicensed National information Infrastructure
VLAN
Virtual LAN.
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy.
WGB
Work-group Bridge
WPA
WiFi Protected Access
WiFi Protected Access
Access point
Transmitter/receiver (transceiver) device
that commonly connects and transports data
between a wireless network and a wired network.
Association
The service used to establish access point
or station mapping and enable STA invocation
of the distribution system services.
(Wireless clients attempt to connect to
access points.)
Basic Rate
A data rate that is mandatory for client
devices to support in order for them to achieve
successful association.
Transmitter/receiver (transceiver) device
that commonly connects and transports data
between a wireless network and a wired network.
Association
The service used to establish access point
or station mapping and enable STA invocation
of the distribution system services.
(Wireless clients attempt to connect to
access points.)
Basic Rate
A data rate that is mandatory for client
devices to support in order for them to achieve
successful association.
Basic Service Set
The IEEE 802.11 BSS of an AP comprises of the
stations directly associating with the AP.
The IEEE 802.11 BSS of an AP comprises of the
stations directly associating with the AP.
Bridge
Device that connects two or more segments
and reduces traffic by analyzing the
destination address, filtering the frame,
and forwarding the frame to all connected
segments.
Bridge AP
It is an AP that functions as a transparent
bridge between 2 wired LAN segments.
Device that connects two or more segments
and reduces traffic by analyzing the
destination address, filtering the frame,
and forwarding the frame to all connected
segments.
Bridge AP
It is an AP that functions as a transparent
bridge between 2 wired LAN segments.
Broadcast SSID
Clients can send out Broadcast SSID Probe
Requests to a nearby AP, and the AP will
broadcast its own SSID within its beacons
to response to the clients. Clients can use
this Broadcast SSID to associate and
communicate with the AP.
Clients can send out Broadcast SSID Probe
Requests to a nearby AP, and the AP will
broadcast its own SSID within its beacons
to response to the clients. Clients can use
this Broadcast SSID to associate and
communicate with the AP.
Cyclic Redundancy Check
CRC is an error detect mechanism that applies
to frame transmission.
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum
DSSS combines a data signal at the sending
station with a higher data rate bit sequence,
which many refer to as a chipping code (also
known as processing gain). A high processing gain
increases the signals resistance to interference.
DSSS sends a specific string of bits for each data
bit sent.
CRC is an error detect mechanism that applies
to frame transmission.
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum
DSSS combines a data signal at the sending
station with a higher data rate bit sequence,
which many refer to as a chipping code (also
known as processing gain). A high processing gain
increases the signals resistance to interference.
DSSS sends a specific string of bits for each data
bit sent.
ERP-CCK Modulation
This signal modulation technique is supported in
PHY implementing IEEE 802.11b/g Protocol.
ERP-OFDM Modulation
This signal modulation technique is supported in
PHY implementing IEEE 802.11g Protocol.
This signal modulation technique is supported in
PHY implementing IEEE 802.11b/g Protocol.
ERP-OFDM Modulation
This signal modulation technique is supported in
PHY implementing IEEE 802.11g Protocol.
Extensible Authentication Protocol
EAP acts as the interface between a wireless
client and an authentication server, such as a
RADIUS server, to which the access point
communicates over the wired network.
EAP acts as the interface between a wireless
client and an authentication server, such as a
RADIUS server, to which the access point
communicates over the wired network.
Extended Rate PHY
This PHY implements the IEEE 802.11g Protocol.
This PHY implements the IEEE 802.11g Protocol.
Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum
In FHSS, a hopping code determines the frequencies
the radio will transmit and in which order. To
properly receive the signal, the receiver must be
set to same hopping code and listen to the
incoming signal at the right time and correct
frequency. The code pattern maintains a single
logical channel.
IEEE 802.11
Standard to encourage interoperability among
wireless networking equipment.
IEEE 802.11b
High-rate wireless LAN standard for wireless
data transfer at up to 11 Mbps.
IEEE P802.11g
Higher Speed Physical Layer (PHY) Extension to
IEEE 802.11b, will boost wireless LAN speed to 54
Mbps by using OFDM (orthogonal frequency division
multiplexing). The IEEE 802.11g specification is
backward compatible with the widely deployed IEEE
802.11b standard.
In FHSS, a hopping code determines the frequencies
the radio will transmit and in which order. To
properly receive the signal, the receiver must be
set to same hopping code and listen to the
incoming signal at the right time and correct
frequency. The code pattern maintains a single
logical channel.
IEEE 802.11
Standard to encourage interoperability among
wireless networking equipment.
IEEE 802.11b
High-rate wireless LAN standard for wireless
data transfer at up to 11 Mbps.
IEEE P802.11g
Higher Speed Physical Layer (PHY) Extension to
IEEE 802.11b, will boost wireless LAN speed to 54
Mbps by using OFDM (orthogonal frequency division
multiplexing). The IEEE 802.11g specification is
backward compatible with the widely deployed IEEE
802.11b standard.
Inter-Access-Point Protocol
The IEEE 802.11 standard does not define how
access points track moving users or how to
negotiate a handoff from one access point to the
next, a process referred to as roaming. IAPP is
a Cisco proprietary protocol to support roaming.
However, IAPP does not address how the wireless
system tracks users moving from one subnet to
another.
Independent network
Network that provides peer-to-peer connectivity
without relying on a complete network
infrastructure.
Integrity Check Value
The WEP ICV shall be a 32-bit value containing
the 32-bit cyclic redundancy code designed for
verifying wireless data frame integrity.
The IEEE 802.11 standard does not define how
access points track moving users or how to
negotiate a handoff from one access point to the
next, a process referred to as roaming. IAPP is
a Cisco proprietary protocol to support roaming.
However, IAPP does not address how the wireless
system tracks users moving from one subnet to
another.
Independent network
Network that provides peer-to-peer connectivity
without relying on a complete network
infrastructure.
Integrity Check Value
The WEP ICV shall be a 32-bit value containing
the 32-bit cyclic redundancy code designed for
verifying wireless data frame integrity.
Message Integrity Check
A MIC can, optionally, be added to WEP-encrypted
802.11 frames. MIC prevents attacks on encrypted
packets. MIC, implemented on both the access point
and all associated client devices, adds a few bytes
to each packet to make the packets tamper-proof.
Native VLAN ID
A switch port and/or AP can be configured with a
'native VLAN ID'. Untagged or priority-tagged
frames are implicitly associated with the native
VLAN ID. The default native VLAN ID is '1' if
VLAN tagging is enabled. The native VLAN ID is '0'
or 'no VLAN ID' if VLAN tagging is not enabled.
Node
Device on a network; has its own unique network
address and name.
Non-Root Bridge
This wireless bridge does not connect to the main
wired LAN segment. It connects to a remote wired
LAN segment and can associate with root bridges and
other non-root bridges that accept client
associations. It also can accept associations from
other non-root bridges, repeater access points,
and client devices.
Physical Layer Convergence Procedure
In IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs, PLCP defines a method
of mapping the IEEE 802.11 MAC sublayer protocol
data units into a framing format suitable for
sending and receiving user data and management
information between two or more wireless stations
using the associated PMD system.
A MIC can, optionally, be added to WEP-encrypted
802.11 frames. MIC prevents attacks on encrypted
packets. MIC, implemented on both the access point
and all associated client devices, adds a few bytes
to each packet to make the packets tamper-proof.
Native VLAN ID
A switch port and/or AP can be configured with a
'native VLAN ID'. Untagged or priority-tagged
frames are implicitly associated with the native
VLAN ID. The default native VLAN ID is '1' if
VLAN tagging is enabled. The native VLAN ID is '0'
or 'no VLAN ID' if VLAN tagging is not enabled.
Node
Device on a network; has its own unique network
address and name.
Non-Root Bridge
This wireless bridge does not connect to the main
wired LAN segment. It connects to a remote wired
LAN segment and can associate with root bridges and
other non-root bridges that accept client
associations. It also can accept associations from
other non-root bridges, repeater access points,
and client devices.
Physical Layer Convergence Procedure
In IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs, PLCP defines a method
of mapping the IEEE 802.11 MAC sublayer protocol
data units into a framing format suitable for
sending and receiving user data and management
information between two or more wireless stations
using the associated PMD system.
Physical Medium Dependent
In IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs, a PMD system, whose
function defines the characteristics of, and method
of transmitting and receiving data through, a
wireless medium between two or more wireless
stations each using the DSSS.
In IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs, a PMD system, whose
function defines the characteristics of, and method
of transmitting and receiving data through, a
wireless medium between two or more wireless
stations each using the DSSS.
Preamble
The radio preamble are data at the head of a
packet that contains information access points
and client devices required by IEEE 802.11 when
sending and receiving packets.
The radio preamble are data at the head of a
packet that contains information access points
and client devices required by IEEE 802.11 when
sending and receiving packets.
Primary LAN
In an AP, if the destinations of inbound unicast
frames are unknown, the frames are sent toward
the primary LAN defined on the device.
Radio carrier
Radio waves that deliver energy to a remote
receiver; in other words, radio waves in a
wireless LAN environment.
Repeater
Device that connects multiple segments,
listening to each and regenerating the signal
on one to every other connected one; so that
the signal can travel further.
Repeater or Non-root Access Point
The repeater access point is not connected
to the wired LAN. The Repeater is a wireless
LAN transceiver that transfers data between
a client and another access point, another
repeater, or between two bridges. The repeater
is placed within radio range of an access point
connected to the wired LAN, another repeater, or
an non-root bridge to extend the range of the
infrastructure.
Radio Frequency
Radio wave and modulation process or operation.
Root Access Point
This access point connects clients to the main
wired LAN.
Root (Wireless) Bridge
This wireless bridge connects to the main wired
LAN. It can communicate with non-root wireless
bridges, repeater access points, and client
devices but not with another wireless root
bridge. Only one wireless bridge in a wireless
LAN can be set as the wireless root bridge.
Spread-spectrum
Wideband radio frequency technique that
consumes more bandwidth than the narrow-band
alternative but produces a signal that is louder
and easier to detect. There are two types of
spread-spectrum radio: frequency hopping and
direct sequence.
Radio Service Set ID
SSID is a unique identifier that APs and clients
use to identify with each other. SSID is a simple
means of access control and is not for security.
The SSID can be any alphanumeric entry up to 32
characters.
Tag header
A 'tag header' is as defined in the IEEE 802.1Q
standard. An 802.1Q tag header contains a 3-bit
priority field and a 12-bit VLAN ID field.
A 'priority tag' has a VLAN ID of 0, to indicate
'no VLAN ID'. A 'VLAN tag' has a non-zero
VLAN ID.
Virtual LAN
VLAN defined in the IEEE 802.1Q VLAN standard
supports logically segmenting of LAN
infrastructure into different subnets or
workgroups so that packets are switched only
between ports within the same VLAN.
VLAN ID
Each VLAN is identified by a 12-bit 'VLAN ID'.
A VLAN ID of '0' is used to indicate
'no VLAN ID'. Valid VLAN IDs range from '1' to
'4095'. VLAN of ID '4095' is the default VLAN
for Cisco VoIP Phones.
Wired Equivalent Privacy
WEP is generally used to refer to 802.11
encryption.
In an AP, if the destinations of inbound unicast
frames are unknown, the frames are sent toward
the primary LAN defined on the device.
Radio carrier
Radio waves that deliver energy to a remote
receiver; in other words, radio waves in a
wireless LAN environment.
Repeater
Device that connects multiple segments,
listening to each and regenerating the signal
on one to every other connected one; so that
the signal can travel further.
Repeater or Non-root Access Point
The repeater access point is not connected
to the wired LAN. The Repeater is a wireless
LAN transceiver that transfers data between
a client and another access point, another
repeater, or between two bridges. The repeater
is placed within radio range of an access point
connected to the wired LAN, another repeater, or
an non-root bridge to extend the range of the
infrastructure.
Radio Frequency
Radio wave and modulation process or operation.
Root Access Point
This access point connects clients to the main
wired LAN.
Root (Wireless) Bridge
This wireless bridge connects to the main wired
LAN. It can communicate with non-root wireless
bridges, repeater access points, and client
devices but not with another wireless root
bridge. Only one wireless bridge in a wireless
LAN can be set as the wireless root bridge.
Spread-spectrum
Wideband radio frequency technique that
consumes more bandwidth than the narrow-band
alternative but produces a signal that is louder
and easier to detect. There are two types of
spread-spectrum radio: frequency hopping and
direct sequence.
Radio Service Set ID
SSID is a unique identifier that APs and clients
use to identify with each other. SSID is a simple
means of access control and is not for security.
The SSID can be any alphanumeric entry up to 32
characters.
Tag header
A 'tag header' is as defined in the IEEE 802.1Q
standard. An 802.1Q tag header contains a 3-bit
priority field and a 12-bit VLAN ID field.
A 'priority tag' has a VLAN ID of 0, to indicate
'no VLAN ID'. A 'VLAN tag' has a non-zero
VLAN ID.
Virtual LAN
VLAN defined in the IEEE 802.1Q VLAN standard
supports logically segmenting of LAN
infrastructure into different subnets or
workgroups so that packets are switched only
between ports within the same VLAN.
VLAN ID
Each VLAN is identified by a 12-bit 'VLAN ID'.
A VLAN ID of '0' is used to indicate
'no VLAN ID'. Valid VLAN IDs range from '1' to
'4095'. VLAN of ID '4095' is the default VLAN
for Cisco VoIP Phones.
Wired Equivalent Privacy
WEP is generally used to refer to 802.11
encryption.
Work-group Bridge
It is a client to APs or wireless root bridges.
The radio port of a WGB serves as the uplink to
the main network and the Ethernet port provides
network access for devices like PC or IP phone.
It is a client to APs or wireless root bridges.
The radio port of a WGB serves as the uplink to
the main network and the Ethernet port provides
network access for devices like PC or IP phone.
Upgrade of Frequencies
As per the latest regulations proposed by the
Japanese Government, the four channels 34
( 5170 GHz ), 38 ( 5190 GHz), 42 ( 5210 ) and
44 ( 5230 ) in the 5150-5250 MHz band has been
shifted by 10 MHz. Thus, the new channels in the
5150-5250 MHz band are 36 ( 5180 ), 40 ( 5200 )
and 44 ( 5220 ) and 48 ( 5240 )."
As per the latest regulations proposed by the
Japanese Government, the four channels 34
( 5170 GHz ), 38 ( 5190 GHz), 42 ( 5210 ) and
44 ( 5230 ) in the 5150-5250 MHz band has been
shifted by 10 MHz. Thus, the new channels in the
5150-5250 MHz band are 36 ( 5180 ), 40 ( 5200 )
and 44 ( 5220 ) and 48 ( 5240 )."