Dictionary

802.1x: An authentication standard for wired and wireless local area networks (LANs) used to identify users before allowing them access to the network.

access point (AP): A specifically configured node on a wireless network that acts as a connection between wireless clients and wired networks.

advanced mobile phone service (AMPS): The analog cellular air interface standard that is used in the United States and many other countries.

AirPort: The AirPort is an Apple product that allows a user to access a network wirelessly.

airtime: The actual time spent talking on a wireless or cellular telephone.

analog: The traditional method of modulating radio signals so that they can carry information.

attenuation: The weakening of the power of a transmitted signal as it travels over a wire.

authentication: Verification of the identity of a user or the user's eligibility to access an object.

bandwidth: The amount of information or data that can be sent over a network connection in a given period of time.

Bluetooth: A wireless connection that enables devices to exchange information.

broadband: Telecommunication that provides multiple channels of data over a single communications medium.

call forwarding: A phone feature that allows users to forward calls to one phone number to another phone.

call waiting: A feature that allows a user to be notified of another incoming call while a call is already in progress and that gives the user the ability to answer the second call while the first call remains on hold.

cell phone: A mobile phone that can allows the user to receive phone calls over a wide range.

cellular: A wireless telephone system in which geographic areas are divided into cells.

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA): A method of frequency reuse whereby many radios have unique codes to use the same frequency.

cracking: breaking into a computer system.

dongle: A small hardware device that connects to a computer and acts as an authentication key for a particular piece of software

dual band: A wireless phone that is capable of operating on two different frequencies.