User's Manual

April 2004 © 2003 Foundry Networks, Inc. Glossary-1
Glossary
10BASE-T
IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over two pairs of Category 3 or better UTP cable.
100BASE-TX
IEEE 802.3u specification for 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet over two pairs of Category 5 or better UTP
cable.
Access Point
An internetworking device that seamlessly connects wired and wireless networks. Access points
attached to a wired network, support the creation of multiple radio cells that enable roaming
throughout a facility.
Ad Hoc
A group of computers connected as an independent wireless network, without an access point.
Authentication
The process to verify the identity of a client requesting network access. IEEE 802.11 specifies two
forms of authentication: open system and shared key.
Backbone
The core infrastructure of a network. The portion of the network that transports information from one
central location to another central location where it is unloaded onto a local system.
Basic Service Set (BSS)
A set of 802.11-compliant stations and an access point that operate as a fully-connected wireless
network.
CSMA/CA
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
Provides a framework for passing configuration information to hosts on a TCP/IP network. DHCP is
based on the Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP), adding the capability of automatic allocation of reusable
network addresses and additional configuration options.