S-W

satellite broadband

Internet service provided via a satellite modem. Signals travel from the user to the ISP (and return) through a satellite in orbit. Early satellite Internet services systems used a phone line for sending data, reserving the satellite connection for downloading web pages and data.

Service Set Identifier (SSID

A name used to identify a WLAN, and distinguish it from other WLANs operating in the same area. An SSID can be up to 32 characters in length.

Software Access Point (SAP)

A computer running software that allows it to act as an access point in an infrastructure mode wireless network. A software access point duplicates the functionality of a stand-alone hardware access point.

SOHO (small office/home office)

An acronym used to identify the consumer market for products that are intended individuals working from home offices or for small businesses.

spoofing

When a device, program, or individual uses a false address or authentication information to gain entry to a server or network client. For example, to gain access to a WLAN, a cracker can configure his wireless adapter to spoof the MAC address of an authorized client’s adapter. Using that client’s Mac address the cracker can pretend to be that user, and access network computers and services.

TCP/IP

The principal suite of networking protocols used for communicating on the Internet. Although, TCP/IP is a suite composed of many protocols, its name reflects the two that are the most important: the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP).

transceiver

A term created by combing the words transmitter and receiver. A transceiver is a two-way radio, a device that transmits and receives radio frequency waves. A WLAN is comprised of transceivers, including access points and client adapters.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A method of using encryption to protect data and to allow organizations to use the public Internet for communication as if it were a private LAN. In effect, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between two points on the Internet. Even though it’s sent across a public network, data sent through a VPN connection stays private because of the encryption and authentication.

warchalking

Marking a wall or sidewalk with symbols that indicate the presence of an open Wi-Fi access point and provide connection instructions. The idea of warchalking was inspired by the graffiti that American hobos used during the Great Depression to leave messages for one another.

wardriving

The act of driving around a geographic area to locate Wi-Fi networks and unsecured access points. Wardrivers use wireless notebook computers or PDAs with high-gain antennas and sniffing software to find WLANs. They often use GPS gear and software to map networks that they find.

Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)

The consumer-friendly name used when referring to any of the three primary 802.11 physical layer protocols (802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g). The Wi-Fi alliance (formerly the 802.11 alliance) coined the term Wi-Fi to promote and market 802.11 wireless products more effectively.

Wi-Fi Alliance

Founded in 1999, the Wi-Fi Alliance is a membership organization that promotes the use of 802.11 compatible gear and certifies product compliance to the 802.11x wireless standards. If a network component carries the Wi-Fi-certified logo, it will interoperate with other Wi-Fi-certified products that use the same frequency.

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

A new security protocol based on an early draft of the 802.11i protocol. WPA addresses weaknesses in the WEP protocol and gives WLANs better protection.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

The original security protocol designed to give WLANs protection and privacy equivalent to Ethernet. WEP failed due to design and implementation flaws.

wireless adapter

A network interface card (NIC) or adapter that enables a computer or PDA to communicate on a WLAN.

wireless bridge

An access point that can communicate with other access points as well as network clients. True wireless-to-wireless bridging is only possible because of the Wireless Distribution System (WDS) standard.

Wireless Distribution System (WDS)

The standard that allows traffic to flow from one access point to another as if it were traveling from one Ethernet port to another Ethernet port on a wired network. WDS administers to bridge wireless networks as if they were wired networks.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Rather than using Ethernet cables as a wired LAN does, a WLAN uses radio signals, in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band for communication.

Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN)

A wireless network that encompasses a large geographic area, like a campus, city, or town.

Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)

A wireless network that serves a single individual or small group. WPANs are short-ranged, and low power; a piconet is a form of WPAN. Another example is a computer and printer that are connected with Bluetooth adapters instead of cables, or a group of Bluetooth-enabled PDAs connected in a piconet.

wireless repeater

An access point that repeats the signal from another access point, extending the signal range of a WLAN. A repeater doesn’t communicate with clients, it merely extends the range of another access point. You can configure many access points to act as repeaters.

Wireless Service Provider (WSP)

A company that provides wireless communication services, including cellular, Wi-Fi, Internet, and satellite.

wireless sniffer

An application that captures and examines wireless network traffic. You can use sniffers to locate and identify WLANs. Many wardrivers use sniffers.

Wireless User Group (WUG)

An organization of wireless technology users that get together and share information to improve their knowledge of wireless technology and share resources.

World Wide Web

A service available over the Internet that delivers Web pages to your Web browser. The Internet and the World Wide Web are two different things: The Internet is the network that moves information; the Web delivers the content via your Web browser.