W

wide-area network

Abbreviated WAN. A network that connects users across large distances, often crossing the geographical boundaries of cities or states.

wildcard mask

A 32-bit quantity used in conjunction with an IP address to determine which bits in an IP address should be ignored when comparing that address with another IP address. A wildcard mask is specified when setting up access lists.

WinSock

Windows Socket Interface: A software interface that makes it possible for an assortment of applications to use and share an Internet connection. The WinSock software consists of a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) with supporting programs such as a dialer program that initiates the connection.

workgroup switching

A switching method that supplies high-speed (100Mbps) transparent bridging between Ethernet networks as well as high- speed translational bridging between Ethernet and CDDI or FDDI.