Technical data

340 Meru System Director Configuration Guide © 2012 Meru Networks, Inc.
network itself automatically routes all radio connections through the most appropriate AP.
This maximizes bandwidth, simplifies network management and conserves radio spectrum
for scalability and redundancy.
Virtual Port
An enhancement to the Virtual Cell architecture which partitions the network so that each
client device has its own private network with a unique BSSID. From the client's perspec-
tive, it gets its own dedicated AP to which it remains connected no matter where it travels
in the network. Like a switched Ethernet port, the Virtual Port eliminates latency, jitter
and contention for bandwidth as there is only ever one client on each port. Unlike an
Ethernet port, it can be personalized to fit each user or device, giving the network control
over client behavior with no proprietary client-side software or extensions necessary.
VoFI (Voice over
Wi-Fi) or
VoWLAN (Voice
over Wireless
LAN)
Voice over IP links that run over a wireless network. VoIP does not usually require high data
rates, but it stresses wireless networks in other ways by demanding low latencies and
smooth handoffs. In addition, no 802.11n phones yet exist, as most handsets are too small
to accommodate MIMO's multiple antennas spaced a wavelength apart. This means that
802.11n networks running VoFI must have a way to deal with 802.11b/g clients.
VLAN
Virtual LAN. A logical grouping of devices that enables users on separate networks to
communicate with one another as if they were on a single network.
VPN
Virtual Private Network. A type of technology designed to increase the security of infor-
mation transferred over the Internet. VPN can work with either wired or wireless
networks, as well as with dial-up connections over POTS. VPN creates a private encrypted
tunnel from the end user's computer, through the local wireless network, through the
Internet, all the way to the corporate servers and database.
W
WAN
Wide Area Network. A communication system of connecting PCs and other computing
devices across a large local, regional, national or international geographic area. Also used
to distinguish between phone-based data networks and Wi-Fi. Phone networks are consid-
ered WANs and Wi-Fi networks are considered Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy. Basic wireless security provided by Wi-Fi. In some instances, WEP
may be all a home or small-business user needs to protect wireless data. WEP is available
in 40-bit (also called 64-bit), or in 104-bit (also called 128-bit) encryption modes. As
104-bit encryption provides a longer key that takes longer to decode, it can provide better
security than basic 40-bit (64-bit) encryption.
Wi-Fi
Brand name for wireless LANs based on various 802.11 specifications. All products bearing
the Wi-Fi logo have been tested for interoperability by the Wi-Fi Alliance, an industry
group composing every major 802.11 client and infrastructure vendor.
WLAN
Wireless LAN. Also referred to as LAN. A type of local-area network that uses
high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate between nodes.
WME
Wireless Multimedia Extension. The Wi-Fi Alliance's standard for QoS based upon the
Enhanced Distribution Coordination Function (EDCF), which is a subset of the IEEE 802.11e
specification.
WNC
Wireless Network Controller. Alternative term for controller.