OTHER TECH

Glossary 802.11 A specification developed by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) for wireless networking. 802.11a operates in the 5-GHz band with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps. 802.11b operates in the 2.4-GHz band with a top data rate of 11 Mbps. 802.11g operates in the 2.4-GHz band with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps and is compatible with "b" devices. 802.11e is a forthcoming specification that includes the QoS feature.

access point A transceiver that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired LAN.

bridge A device that connects two LAN segments together, either similar or dissimilar types, such as Ethernet and HomePNA.

Category 5 (Cat-5) Network cabling consisting of four twisted pairs of copper wire terminated by eight-conductor RJ-45 connectors. Cat-5 cable supports data speeds up to 100 megabits per second.

Category 6 (Cat-6) Like Cat-5, but able to support data speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (Gigabit Ethernet)

DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) A utility that enables a server to assign temporary IP addresses to devices each time they connect to it.

Ethernet An international wired-networking standard. Standard, Fast, and Gigabit Ethernet have speeds of 10, 100, and 1,000 Mbps, respectively.

firewall A system for preventing network access by unauthorized users.

HomePlug A standard for sending network data over a home's electrical wiring.

HomePNA A standard for sending network data over a home's telephone wiring without disrupting normal telephone service.

hub A multiport device used to connect multiple PCs to a network.

IP (Internet protocol) address A string of unique numbers assigned to each computer or other device on a network.

LAN (local-area network) A system of connecting computers in close proximity for sharing files and resources.

QoS (quality of service) A technique for identifying and prioritizing data to provide improved streaming of multimedia content like music and video.

residential gateway A device that combines the functions of a cable or DSL modem and a router.

router A device for dividing an Internet connection among multiple computers or networks.

Wi-Fi (WIreless FIdelity). A certification logo for Ethernet devices that comply with the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard.

- B.C.F.