Guide To Wireless Broadband - Part 5 of 7

As with all computer technology, there are many unique terms associated with wireless broadband which was once only used by computer fanatics but has now taken off in the mainstream. This section will help you bust that wireless jargon.

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Wireless broadband jargon buster

802.11: - The most common form of wireless technology used to send and receive data. There are many variations available as outlined immediately below.
802.11a: - Runs at 54Mbps but the radio waves only have a range of around 45 metres.
802.11b: - Originally had speeds of around 11Mbps but this has been expanded on in more recent versions to around 22-44Mbps.
802.11g: - Transfers data at 54Mbps, though more recent models have speeds up to 125Mbps.
Ad-hoc mode: - Sometimes known as peer-to-peer networking, this allows wireless broadband devices to communicate with each other without a bridge. It is the method used to connect two PCs to the same internet connection.
Antenna: - Often used to improve the wireless range.
AP: - Standing for access point, this refers to the central location from which you gain internet access. In most homes this will be the wireless router, connected to the phone line.
Client/Server set-up: - The method of networking used by most large business with more than 10-15 computers. There is a dedicated server which receives messages from the ‘client’ computers quickly.
DHCP: - Meaning dynamic host configuration protocol, this allows individual computers to take information from a server.
DMZ: - Referring to a ‘de-militarised zone’, it is a protected network that sits between two networks.
Firewall: - Shuts out any unauthorised access to a network.
HomeRF: - A cheaper wireless technology for people who don’t generally transfer too much data. The standard speed is around 1.2Mbps, though the HomeRF 2.0 has standard speeds up to 10Mbps.
Hotspots: - An area with strong wireless access – this could be a small room with wireless opaque walls, or a large area with several overlapping wireless access points.
Infrastructure mode: - Forms a connection between devices via a wired Ethernet network.
Peer-to-peer: - See ‘ad-hoc mode’.
RJ45 Ethernet ports: - Used as an access point to connect wired and wireless devices.
Router: - The device that sends radio waves to other hardware in the immediate area, allowing them to access the internet.
Satellite broadband: - Allows you to surf the internet via signals sent to a satellite dish.
Server: - A computer that runs software which enables it to take requests from other computers.
VoIP: - Standing for voice over internet protocol, this refers to voice conversations carried out over the internet. There are many broadband packages that now include VoIP technology allowing you to make cheaper phone calls.
WEP: - Meaning Wired Equivalent Privacy, this was technology introduced as a security measure to stop other users in your area taking advantage of your wireless bandwidth. It has now been surpassed by WPA.
Wi-Fi: - A wireless technology brand that allows applications such as mobile phones to access the internet when they are within range of a wireless network.
Wi-Max: - A more powerful version of Wi-Fi, this enables internet access over a large area such as a city.
Wireless: - The general term used to refer to accessing broadband internet without wires.
Wireless cable: - This uses microwave frequencies sent over the air to an antenna on your roof.
Wireless DSL: - The term DSL stands for digital subscriber line. It refers to the data service over standard telephone lines.
WPA: - Standing for Wi-Fi Protected Access, this is the latest security technology to stop other users accessing your wireless broadband connection.

Guide to a better wireless experience – Part 6 >>>

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