Wireless Products
IntelŽ WiFi Products
Basic Wi-Fi components and terminology

The following content is being provided for informational purposes to familiarize end-users with basic terminology and components of Wi-Fi technology.

Autonomous access point: Stand-alone Wi-Fi hub that allows any computer with a Wi-Fi network adapter to communicate with another computer and to connect to the Internet. This device is typically used in an enterprise or corporate environment with many users.

Ad hoc, peer-to-peer or computer-to-computer network: A communication configuration where every computer has the same capabilities and any computer can initiate a communication session. Also known as a peer-to-peer or computer-to-computer network.

Broadband Wi-Fi router: Stand-alone Wi-Fi hub that allows any computer that has a Wi-Fi network adapter to communicate with another computer and to connect to the Internet. This device is typically used in a home or small-office environment with a relatively small number of users.

Client computer: The computer gets its Internet connection by sharing either the host computer's connection or the AP/router's connection.

Infrastructure network: Wi-Fi network centered around an access point (AP) or broadband Wi-Fi router. In this environment, the AP not only provides communication with the wired network, but also mediates Wi-Fi network traffic in the immediate neighborhood.

Internet service provider (ISP): Subscribers get access to the Internet from their homes, small businesses or corporate networks by paying the ISP for service.

Lightweight access point (LWAP): Scaled-down access point that funnels user authentication and association requests to a central Wi-Fi switch.

Modem: DSL, cable, or other types of hardware connected to both the AP/router and external line leading to an ISP.

Wi-Fi network adapter: A hardware device (embedded in the client or an external PCMCIA card) on client stations consisting of a radio and antenna(s) used for transmitting and receiving Wi-Fi frames. Antennas may also be integrated into the client device itself. 
 
Wi-Fi switch: Control point for a group of lightweight access points (LWAP) or autonomous APs.

This applies to:
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Advanced-N 6200
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Advanced-N 6205
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Advanced-N 6230
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Ultimate-N 6300
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Ultimate-N 6300 and IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Advanced-N 6200 products
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Wireless-N + WiMAX 6150
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Wireless-N 100
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Wireless-N 1000
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Wireless-N 1030
IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Wireless-N 130
IntelŽ PRO/Wireless 2100 Network Connection
IntelŽ PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection
IntelŽ PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection
IntelŽ PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
IntelŽ WiFi Link 1000
IntelŽ WiFi Link 5300 and IntelŽ WiFi Link 5100 products
IntelŽ WiMAX/WiFi Link 5350 and IntelŽ WiMAX/WiFi Link 5150 products
IntelŽ Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN

Solution ID: CS-025320
Date Created: 27-Dec-2006
Last Modified: 12-Sep-2011
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