Vol 2 - 1 Fundamentals of Wireless Networks Flashcards
access point (AP)
A device that provides wireless service for clients within its coverage area or cell, with the AP connecting to both the wireless LAN and the wired Ethernet LAN.
ad hoc wireless network
See independent basic service set (IBSS).
association
A negotiated relationship between a wireless station and an access point.
association request
An 802.11 frame that a wireless client sends to an AP to request an association with it.
association response
An 802.11 frame that a wireless access point sends to a wireless client in reply to an association request.
band
A contiguous range of frequencies.
basic service set (BSS)
Wireless service provided by one AP to one or more associated clients.
basic service set identifier (BSSID)
A unique MAC address that is used to identify the AP that is providing a BSS.
beacon
An 802.11 frame that an AP broadcasts at regular intervals to advertise the existence of an SSID. Separate beacons are transmitted for each SSID on each channel being used.
cell
The area of wireless coverage provided by an AP; also known as the basic service area.
channel
An arbitrary index that points to a specific frequency within a band.
extended service set (ESS)
Multiple APs that are connected by a common switched infrastructure.
distribution system (DS)
The wired Ethernet that connects to an AP and transports traffic between a wired and wireless network.
extended service set identifier (ESSID)
The SSID used consistently throughout an ESS.
independent basic service set (IBSS)
An impromptu wireless network formed between two or more devices without an AP or a BSS; also known as an ad hoc network.
infrastructure mode
infrastructure mode
The operating mode of an AP that is providing a BSS for wireless clients.
mesh network
A network of APs used to cover a large area without the need for wired Ethernet cabling; client traffic is bridged from AP to AP over a backhaul network.
nonoverlapping channels
Successive channel numbers in a band that each have a frequency range that is narrow enough to not overlap the next channel above or below.
point-to-point bridge
An AP configured to bridge a wired network to a companion bridge at the far end of a line-of-sight path.
passive scanning
A technique used by a wireless client when it attempts to discover nearby APs by listening for their beacon frames.
probe request
A technique used by a wireless client to discover nearby APs by actively requesting a response.
reassociation request
An 802.11 frame that a roaming wireless client sends to an AP to request that its existing association be moved to a new AP.
repeater
A device that repeats or retransmits signals it receives, effectively expanding the wireless coverage area.
roaming
The process a wireless client uses to move from one AP to another as it changes location.
Service Set Identifier (SSID)
A text string that is used to identify a wireless network.
station (STA)
An 802.11 client device that is associated with a BSS.
workgroup bridge (WGB)
An AP that is configured to bridge between a wired device and a wireless network. The WGB acts as a wireless client.
