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SSID
Service Set Identifier (or SSID) is the
technical jargon for the name of a your
wireless (WiFi) network. All wireless
devices on a WiFi network must use the
same SSID in to connect to the network
and communicate with each other
and the internet.
WLAN
A WLAN or Wireless Local Area Network
is the same as a LAN but without the
need for wires.
WPA/WAPI
WiFi Protected Access/ WLAN
Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure
(or WPA/WAPI) is a method of encryption
that was created to improve on the
security featues of WEP.
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy (or WEP) is
a method of encryption used to secure
wireless networks and protects wireless
users data from being intercepted people
they don’t know. WEP is less secure
than WPA/WAPI.
WiFi
WiFi is the popular term for WLAN
and is trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
It is used as branding for devices that
can access wireless networks (such as
wireless internet).
Access Point
An access point is a device on a network,
such as a modem or hub, which allows
data to be transferred from one location
to another (i.e. computer to computer or
computer to internet).
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
or (ADSL) is simply a DSL line. It has
different upload and download speeds.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line (or DSL) is the
technology that allows large amounts
of data to be sent over existing ordinary
copper telephone lines.
Ethernet
Ethernet is the standard way of
connecting computers and devices over
a LAN in the home or workplace. Recent
computers will be factory fitted with an
Ethernet card and socket.
Filter/Splitter
When you have ADSL broadband your
phone and internet connection use the
same physical line. You use a filter/
splitter to connect your phone to the
shared phone line so you can’t hear
the high-pitched noise of data being
sent and received.
ISP
An Internet Service Provider (or ISP) is
the company, such as Australian Phone &
Internet, which provides you with access
to the internet.
LAN
Local Area Network (or LAN) is a group
of devices linked together in a workplace
or home, either by cable or wirelessly,
to form a closed network through which
they can communicate with each other
and the internet.
Modem
A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a
device that allows you to connect to the
internet by encoding and decoding high-
speed digital signals sent and received
over analog copper phone lines.
Router
A router is a device, usually combined
with modem, which sits between your
computer (laptop, iPad, smartphone, etc)
or network and the internet and makes
sure that all data goes where it should.
Basically it directs traffic. Routers are
great for operating a network that has
more than one device requiring access
to the internet.
GLOSSARY