Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol. PEAP is an EAP mechanism that authenticates wireless LAN clients using only server-side digital certificates. An encrypted SSL/TLS tunnel between the client and the authentication server is created and used to protect the subsequent user authentication exchange.
PKI
Public key infrastructure. A system or framework where digital certificates, certificate authorities, and other registration authorities verify and authenticate the validity of each party involved in a network transaction. PKI uses public and shared keys to encrypt and decrypt data.
Plenum
The interstitial space between the raised floor and lowered ceiling, where most air ducts are situated.
PoE
Power over Ethernet. A technique used to deliver direct current (DC) power over twisted-pair cables to Ethernet devices. This approach obviates the need for these devices to be connected directly to a mains power-supply socket. The IEEE standard for PoE is called 802.3af.
PSK
Pre-shared key. The IEEE 802.11 term for a shared secret, also known as a shared key. Pre-shared keys form an important part of WPA when used in WPAPSK mode. This allows a small or SOHO wireless network to use the enhancements of WPA without using an EAP server. Pre-shared keys play a fundamental part in many encryption frameworks.
