Jargon Buster

AES – Advanced Encryption Standard

Approved by WiFi Alliance for use with government files

ACM – Adaptive Coding and Modulation

Adaptive coding and modulation is a technology which can automatically change the modulation and forward error correct a link to compensate for changes in conditions – commonly weather (e.g. rain fade) and changes in radio frequency environment (e.g. level changes, interference).

The use of ACM eliminates the cost of service operatives

DFS – Dynamic Frequency Selection

Is applied in wireless networks with several adjacent non- centrally controlled access points.The access points automatically select frequency channels with low interference levels.

DSL – Digital Subscriber Line

This is the medium by which data is transferred over regular phone lines to connect to the internet. However a DSL circuit is much faster than a regular phone connection.

DSSS – Digital Sequence Spread Spectrum

Direct- sequence spread-spectrum transmissions multiply the data being transmitted by a “noise”signal. The resulting effect is an enhanced signal to noise ratio.

ENCRYPTION

The process of encoding messages, information or data in such a way that only authorised users can read it, making it unintelligible to an unauthorised user. Cryptography offers enhanced security to the user.

Gbps/Kbps/Mbps – Gigabyte / Kilobit / Megabit Per second

This indicates the amount of data our products can transmit per second.

GHz / THz / KHz / MHz – Gigahertz / Terahertz / Kilohertz / Megahertz

This is the speed by which our products process data.

MIMO – Multiple In – Multiple Out

This is a data transfer accelerant. Multiple Input / Multiple Output increases the number of antennas at the transmitter and receiver to improve the devices performance. Transferring more data without requiring added bandwidth or drawing additional power.

PCB – Printed Circuit Board

The main board used in the manufacture of our products to mount components, providing the means of electrical connection between the components.

PSU – Power Supply Unit

The power supply unit converts the power supply from AC to DC current in order to power our wireless transmission devices.

RF – Radio Frequency

The frequency by which our radios transmit signals to each other.

RMA – Return Merchandise Authorisation

This is the authorisation required in the unlikely event that a customer needs to return a product.

RSSI – Received Signal Strength Indicator

This is the measurement of power present in a received radio signal.

SSID – Service Set Identifier

A unique identification process which only allows the transfer of data between devices with the same unique identification. Enhancing security.

TPC – Transmit Power Control

Is a technical mechanism used to help prevent unwanted interference between different wireless networks.

ULTRA WIDEBAND

Used for cable replacement in systems that require wireless transmission of large amounts of data over a very short range, such as camcorders, HDTV and home entertainment.

WEP – Wired Equivalent Privacy

This is a wireless network security Standard, level 2/10.

WiFi – Wireless Fidelity

Wireless technology which allows an electronic device to exchange data or connect to the internet using radio waves.

WiMax 

An alternative to wired broadband services e.g digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable modem. A technology standard for long-range wireless networking.

WLAN – Wireless Local Area Networking

Provides wireless network communication over short distances using radio or infrared signals instead of traditional network cabling. A WLAN typically extends an existing wired local area network by creating a bridge from the existing LAN (local area network) infrastructure to multiply WiFi clients within a limited area. As more WiFi capacity and throughput becomes available.

WPA – WiFi Protected Access

This is a wireless encryption standard. Security Level 8/10.

WPA2 – Update of WPA

Advanced encryption standard approved by the WiFi Alliance.

WPAN – Wireless Personal Area Network

A network interconnecting devices centred around an individual or a specific location in which the connections are wireless, negating the need for cabling. Enabling wireless communication via headsets, computers, printers, PDA’s and mobile phones – Bluetooth

WWAN – Wireless Wide Area Network

Wireless WAN is a wide area network in which separate areas of coverage are connected wirelessly to provide service to a large geographical area.

Zigbee TM

This is a wireless protocol designed for small low power devices such as sensors for data transfer. Used for cable replacement in buildings and home automation systems to enable wireless communication between fire detection and suppression systems, home automation systems and physical security sensor systems

 

If you would like any further explanation of these terms used or if you have any suggestions for jargon we may have missed, please contact us.