About Wireless Access - Glossary

We have put together some terms and definitions relating to the Wireless industry.

802.11
A group of industry-used wireless specifications, you will hear the most about 802.11b and 802.11g, with "b" providing signaling rates of up to 11 Mbit/second, and "g" providing rates of up to 54 Mbit/second.

Access Point
A "base station" that can connect a network to other wireless devices.

Antenna
A device that facilitates the transmission and reception of radio signals.

Bandwidth
A transmission capacity; Greater bandwidth means more data can be transmitted over a period of time.

Blue Tooth
A short range radio link used by laptops, mobile phones, and other devices.

Broadband
Highspeed Internet connections; a communications channel with high bandwidth.

HotSpot
A place that you can go and get WiFi access, either for free or through subscription plans.

MIMO
"Multiple Input Multiple Output" refers to using multiple antennas in a WiFi device to improve service.

MMS
Multimedia Messaging Service; Similar to SMS, but using various elements of communication such as video, pictures and audio. The elements are included in the message, not a download.

SMS
Short Messaging Service; primarily text messaging

Site Survey
A survey done at a location that involves diagramming the network, checking signals and equipment.

WiFi
Wireless fidelity .

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