Wireless Definition

Definition:

The term "wireless" refers, in the most basic and obvious sense, to communications sent without wires or cables. It is a broad term that encompasses all sorts of wireless technologies and devices, including cellular communications, networking between computers with wireless adapters, and wireless computer accessories. Wireless communications travel over the air via electromagnetic waves (radio frequencies, infrared, satellite, etc).

"Wireless" on its own is typically used to refer to products and services from the cellular telecommunications industry; CTIA, "the Wireless Association", for example, is composed of wireless carriers, cell phone manufacturers, and others in the mobile phone market. Different cellular protocols and standards include CDMA, GSM, EV-DO, 3G, and 4G. The term "wireless Internet" will most often be referring to cellular data, though the phrase can also refer to data access via satellite.

Networking technologies that connect multiple computers and devices together without wires -- i.e., in a wireless local area network or WLAN -- also fall under the wireless umbrella. Often, instead of referring to just "wireless" for these technologies, the term "wi-fi" or "wifi" will be used. Wi-fi covers technologies that incorporate 802.11 standards, such as 802.11g network cards and wireless routers.

More: Find out more about the differences between cellular wireless data and using wi-fi for Internet-on-the-go

View the original article here

WEP Definition

Definition:

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a security protocol for wireless networks. It was introduced as part of the original 802.11 wireless protocol in 1997 and intended to match the security level of wired networks.

We know today that WEP is not a very secure protocol, easily cracked by software within minutes. It has since been replaced by stronger wireless encryption protocols, WPA and WPA2. Unfortunately, WEP is still being used on some wireless networks, likely creating a false sense of security.

View the original article here

Hotspot Definition

Definition:

Wireless (or wi-fi) hotspots are essentially wireless access points providing network and/or Internet access to mobile devices like your laptop or smartphone, typically in public locations. To put it more simply, they're places where you can take your laptop or other mobile device and wirelessly connect to the Internet; some devices and smartphones also act as mobile wi-fi hotspots.

Typical wi-fi hotspot venues include cafes, libraries, airports, and hotels. Though many are free, some hotspots require a subscription or service with a particular mobile provider (e.g., Starbucks has exclusive deals with T-Mobile and AT&T customers).

Connecting to a hotspot and using its Internet connection basically works the same as other home or business wireless connection set up steps: Your wireless-equipped laptop or other device, such as an iPod or smartphone, will typically notify you when it is in range of available wireless networks. (If you don't get the "wireless networks are available" information prompt, you can go into your network settings to find available wireless networks.) You then just accept or initiate the connection to the hotspot's wireless network, which is usually identified in the network name (SSID). Some network cards will even automatically connect to the hotspot once it is in range, but this is generally a bad idea; for security's sake, follow our friend Bradley Mitchell's instructions for turning off automatic connections to unsecured access points.

More: Step by Step Wi-Fi Connection Tutorial

One more connection note: if the wi-fi hotspot network is encrypted or hidden, you would need to get the security key and/or SSID information from the hotspot service provider to be able to locate and properly establish the network connection. Also, before allowing you to use their Internet connection, most hotspots will require you to accept their terms and conditions (which will generally require you to be a decent, law-abiding Internet citizen).

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Definition of Remote Access

Definition:

In broad terms, remote access refers to workers being able to access data or resources from a remote location. Traditional remote access solutions used dial-up technologies to allow employees to connect to an office network via telephone networks connecting to remote access servers.

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) has replaced this traditional physical connection between the remote client and the server by creating a secure tunnel over a public network (e.g., the Internet).

The term "remote access," however, still refers to remote users being able to access internal company resources. So, while VPN is the technology for securely connecting two private networks (and can also mean secure connections between two large private networks), remote access VPNs generally refer to individual employees or "clients" connecting to the "host" corporate network.

Beyond just connecting to remote resources, however, remote access solutions may also enable users to control the host computer over the Internet from any location. With "remote desktop" software, you can operate a remote computer as if you were seated in front of it.

Often used interchangeably with: VPN

Examples

Popular remote access software solutions that let you remotely access and control your computer include GoToMyPC, RealVNC, and LogMeIn.

Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection client, which allows you to remotely control another computer, is built into Windows XP and later versions of Windows and also available for Mac users. Apple also offers Apple Remote Desktop software for network administrators to manage Mac computers on a network.

View the original article here

Bluetooth Definition

Definition: Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate, or transmit data or voice, wirelessly over a short distance. Although the Bluetooth SIG doesn't offer a concise definition of Bluetooth, they describe it as "a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security."

"Bluetooth" technology, first developed in 1994, got its name from a 10th century Danish king named Harald Bluetooth, who was said to unite disparate, warring regional factions -- much like Bluetooth is intended to provide a common communication medium for technologies in different industries (e.g., computers, mobile phones, and automotive devices).

Operating in the same 2.4GHz spectrum as other wireless technologies, like some wi-fi 802.11 protocols, Bluetooth was intended as a wireless replacement for cables. With Bluetooth, you can send a page to print, for example, to a printer downstairs instead of having to connect your computer and printer with an unsightly USB cable. Bluetooth creates a 10-meter (33-foot) radius wireless network, called a Personal Area Network (PAN) or piconet, which can network between 2 and 8 devices.

Bluetooth range and transmission speeds are typically less than Wi-Fi (a.k.a., wireless LAN) capabilities. Bluetooth v3.0 + HS -- "Bluetooth high speed technology" -- devices can deliver up to 24 Mbps of data (faster than wireless-b, though slower than wireless-a or wireless-g). Despite these drawbacks, Bluetooth uses less power and costs less to implement than Wi-Fi and is generally considered a more secure wireless technology that's less prone to interference.

The Bluetooth 4.0 specification was officially adopted on July 6, 2010. Bluetooth version 4.0 features include: low energy consumption, low cost, multi-vendor interoperability, and enhanced range. The hallmark feature enhancement to the Bluetooth 4.0 spec is its low power requirements -- devices using Bluetooth v4.0 are optimized for low battery operation and can run off of small coin-cell batteries, opening up new opportunities for wireless technology. (Instead of fearing that leaving Bluetooth on will drain your cell phone's battery, for example, you can leave a Bluetooth v4.0 mobile phone connected all the time to your other Bluetooth accessories. In fact, you may be able to go years without charging your mobile device.)

Bluetooth, because it can simultaneously transmit both voice and data, has been widely adopted as the technology of choice for devices like hands-free headsets and auto in-dash GPS systems, which can communicate with a cell phone for hands-free calling and downloading real-time mapping data.

View the original article here

Mobile Hotspot Definition

Definition:

Mobile hotspots are portable devices or features on smartphones that provide wireless Internet access on many devices (your laptop, smartphone, MP3 player, tablet, portable gaming device, etc.).

Like USB modems from wireless carriers, mobile hotspots typically use mobile broadband service from cellular providers for 3G or 4G Internet access. Unlike those mobile USB sticks, though, mobile hotspots allow multiple devices to connect at the same time.

One of the earliest mobile hotspots was the MiFi (Compare Prices), a small credit-card sized device made by Novatel and offered first by Verizon. It broadcasts the 3G cellular signal that can be shared wirelessly by up to 4 devices. (The MiFi was positively reviewed by About's VoIP Guide and chosen here as a top travel accessory). Besides the MiFi, which is also carried on AT&T and Virgin Mobile, there are other similar mobile hotspots, such as Clear's iSpot for Apple iOS devices and 3G/4G Clear Spot.

Besides portable mobile wi-fi hotspots, some smartphones can act as mobile hotspots, sharing their wireless data connection with several devices. The Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus had this feature built-in and Verizon offered the hotspot service for free (normally hotspot access garners an additional $10-$20 charge, similar to wireless providers' tethering add-on charges). Verizon introduced a unique 3G mobile hotspot feature with its launch of the iPhone 4.

If you have multiple devices that you use on the go, a mobile wi-fi hotspot can be a critical accessory. Rather than using your cell phone as a modem and connecting it to your laptop with a USB wire or via bluetooth for tethering, you can connect to a mobile hotspot (device or your smartphone) for Internet access anywhere you have a cellular signal. The major downside is that you often need to pay an extra fee for mobile broadband service.

View the original article here

Internet Connection Sharing Definition

Definition:

Internet Connection Sharing, or ICS, is a built-in feature of Windows computers (Windows 98, 2000, Me, and Vista) that allows multiple computers to connect to the Internet using one single Internet connection on one computer. It's a type of local area network (LAN) that uses a single computer as the gateway (or host) through which other devices connect to the Internet. Computers wired to the gateway computer or connecting to it wirelessly via an ad-hoc wireless network can use ICS.

Some of the features of Internet Connection Sharing include:

Allowing most any kind of device (including non-Windows and older Windows systems) to connect without having to install additional client software.Support for all of the connected clients to use many different protocols, including VPN and Internet gaming.Clients are automatically given an IP address and configured for DNS through the ICS computer.

In Windows 98 or Windows Me, ICS needed to be enabled or installed on the host computer from the Control Panel Add/Remove Programs (on the Windows Setup tab, double-click on Internet Tools, then select Internet Connection Sharing). Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 have this built-in already (look in the Local Area Connection properties for a setting under the Sharing tab to "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection").

Note: ICS requires the host computer to have a wired connection to a modem (e.g., DSL or cable modem) or an aircard or other mobile data modem, and the client computers either wired to your host computer or connecting to it via the host computer's free wireless adapter.

Learn how to use Internet Connection Sharing:

View the original article here

VPN Definition

Definition:

VPN stands for "virtual private network." It is basically a way to securely transmit private data over a public network (e.g., the Internet) using encryption and other security mechanisms.

There are various types of VPNs. For mobile workers, VPNs typically mean "remote access VPNs," where a remote worker connects to a corporate office over a secure VPN tunnel in order to exchange data and share resources, just as if he/she was on the internal network.

Other types of VPNs include site-to-site VPNs, where one entire local area network (LAN) is joined or connected to another LAN.

Often used interchangeably with: "remote access

VPN implementations can be software-based, as with Cisco's VPN client and server software, or a combination of hardware and software, such as Juniper Network's routers that are compatible with their Netscreen-Remote VPN client software.

Another form of VPN is SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) VPN, which allows the remote user to connect using just a Web browser, avoiding the need to install specialized client software. There are pros and cons to both traditional VPNs (typically based on IPSec protocols) and SSL VPNs.

View the original article here

Ad Hoc Definition

Definition:

An ad hoc network is a type of temporary computer-to-computer connection. In ad hoc mode, you can set up a wireless connection directly to another computer without having to connect to a wireless access point or router.

Ad hoc networks are useful when you need to share files or other data directly with another computer but don't have access to a wireless network (e.g., if you're a visiting client or partner to a different office and aren't able to get on their network). You can also use Internet connection sharing with ad hoc mode to share your Internet connection with other users.

Another feature of ad hoc networks is that more than one laptop can be connected to the ad hoc network, as long as all of the adapter cards are configured for ad hoc mode and connect to the same SSID (service state identifier). The computers need to be within 100 meters of each other.

Also, if you were the person who set up the ad hoc network, when you disconnect from the network, all of the other users will also be disconnected. An ad hoc network will also be deleted once everyone on it disconnects -- which can be good or bad, depending on your view; it's truly a spontaneous network.

For file and printer sharing, all users will need to be in the same workgroup, or, if one computer is joined to a domain, the other user(s) will have to have accounts on that computer in order to access shared items.

Other limitations of ad hoc wireless networking include: WEP security (i.e., not secure at all), support up to 802.11g, and a data rate of 11 Mbps.

Newer Wi-Fi Direct technology elminiates many of the ad hoc wireless network limitations and is more secure, but until that technology is more widespread, you can Set Up an Ad Hoc Wireless Network and use it to Share Internet Access on one computer to many devices.

View the original article here

Definition of UPS

Question: What does UPS stand for?

Answer: UPS is short for uninterruptible power supply. These devices are designed to protect your electronic equipment against power failures, unstable line power, electrical noise, surges, and other power events outside your control. UPS units will help eliminate the down time which can be caused by power problems, transient errors, and equipment damage.

View the original article here

 

Mobile Hotspot Definition

Definition:

Mobile hotspots are portable devices or features on smartphones that provide wireless Internet access on many devices (your laptop, smartphone, MP3 player, tablet, portable gaming device, etc.).

Like USB modems from wireless carriers, mobile hotspots typically use mobile broadband service from cellular providers for 3G or 4G Internet access. Unlike those mobile USB sticks, though, mobile hotspots allow multiple devices to connect at the same time.

One of the earliest mobile hotspots was the MiFi (Compare Prices), a small credit-card sized device made by Novatel and offered first by Verizon. It broadcasts the 3G cellular signal that can be shared wirelessly by up to 4 devices. (The MiFi was positively reviewed by About's VoIP Guide and chosen here as a top travel accessory). Besides the MiFi, which is also carried on AT&T and Virgin Mobile, there are other similar mobile hotspots, such as Clear's iSpot for Apple iOS devices and 3G/4G Clear Spot.

Besides portable mobile wi-fi hotspots, some smartphones can act as mobile hotspots, sharing their wireless data connection with several devices. The Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus had this feature built-in and Verizon offered the hotspot service for free (normally hotspot access garners an additional $10-$20 charge, similar to wireless providers' tethering add-on charges). Verizon introduced a unique 3G mobile hotspot feature with its launch of the iPhone 4.

If you have multiple devices that you use on the go, a mobile wi-fi hotspot can be a critical accessory. Rather than using your cell phone as a modem and connecting it to your laptop with a USB wire or via bluetooth for tethering, you can connect to a mobile hotspot (device or your smartphone) for Internet access anywhere you have a cellular signal. The major downside is that you often need to pay an extra fee for mobile broadband service.

View the original article here

Bluetooth Definition

Definition: Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate, or transmit data or voice, wirelessly over a short distance. Although the Bluetooth SIG doesn't offer a concise definition of Bluetooth, they describe it as "a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security."

"Bluetooth" technology, first developed in 1994, got its name from a 10th century Danish king named Harald Bluetooth, who was said to unite disparate, warring regional factions -- much like Bluetooth is intended to provide a common communication medium for technologies in different industries (e.g., computers, mobile phones, and automotive devices).

Operating in the same 2.4GHz spectrum as other wireless technologies, like some wi-fi 802.11 protocols, Bluetooth was intended as a wireless replacement for cables. With Bluetooth, you can send a page to print, for example, to a printer downstairs instead of having to connect your computer and printer with an unsightly USB cable. Bluetooth creates a 10-meter (33-foot) radius wireless network, called a Personal Area Network (PAN) or piconet, which can network between 2 and 8 devices.

Bluetooth range and transmission speeds are typically less than Wi-Fi (a.k.a., wireless LAN) capabilities. Bluetooth v3.0 + HS -- "Bluetooth high speed technology" -- devices can deliver up to 24 Mbps of data (faster than wireless-b, though slower than wireless-a or wireless-g). Despite these drawbacks, Bluetooth uses less power and costs less to implement than Wi-Fi and is generally considered a more secure wireless technology that's less prone to interference.

The Bluetooth 4.0 specification was officially adopted on July 6, 2010. Bluetooth version 4.0 features include: low energy consumption, low cost, multi-vendor interoperability, and enhanced range. The hallmark feature enhancement to the Bluetooth 4.0 spec is its low power requirements -- devices using Bluetooth v4.0 are optimized for low battery operation and can run off of small coin-cell batteries, opening up new opportunities for wireless technology. (Instead of fearing that leaving Bluetooth on will drain your cell phone's battery, for example, you can leave a Bluetooth v4.0 mobile phone connected all the time to your other Bluetooth accessories. In fact, you may be able to go years without charging your mobile device.)

Bluetooth, because it can simultaneously transmit both voice and data, has been widely adopted as the technology of choice for devices like hands-free headsets and auto in-dash GPS systems, which can communicate with a cell phone for hands-free calling and downloading real-time mapping data.

View the original article here

Wi-Fi Definition

Definition:

"Wi-Fi" is a type of wireless networking protocol that allows devices to communicate without cords or cables. Wi-Fi is technically an industry term that represents a type of wireless local area network (LAN) protocol based on the 802.11 IEEE network standard. It's the most popular means of communicating data wirelessly, within a fixed location, today.

"Wi-Fi" is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, an international association of companies involved with wireless LAN technologies and products.

Wi-fi is commonly mistaken as an acronymn for "wireless fidelity" and often you may also see it spelled without the hyphen (wifi).

source from about.com

Wireless Definition

Definition:

The term "wireless" refers, in the most basic and obvious sense, to communications sent without wires or cables. It is a broad term that encompasses all sorts of wireless technologies and devices, including cellular communications, networking between computers with wireless adapters, and wireless computer accessories. Wireless communications travel over the air via electromagnetic waves (radio frequencies, infrared, satellite, etc).

"Wireless" on its own is typically used to refer to products and services from the cellular telecommunications industry; CTIA, "the Wireless Association", for example, is composed of wireless carriers, cell phone manufacturers, and others in the mobile phone market. Different cellular protocols and standards include CDMA, GSM, EV-DO, 3G, and 4G. The term "wireless Internet" will most often be referring to cellular data, though the phrase can also refer to data access via satellite.

Networking technologies that connect multiple computers and devices together without wires -- i.e., in a wireless local area network or WLAN -- also fall under the wireless umbrella. Often, instead of referring to just "wireless" for these technologies, the term "wi-fi" or "wifi" will be used. Wi-fi covers technologies that incorporate 802.11 standards, such as 802.11g network cards and wireless routers.

More: Find out more about the differences between cellular wireless data and using wi-fi for Internet-on-the-go

source from about.com

Internet Connection Sharing Definition

Definition:

Internet Connection Sharing, or ICS, is a built-in feature of Windows computers (Windows 98, 2000, Me, and Vista) that allows multiple computers to connect to the Internet using one single Internet connection on one computer. It's a type of local area network (LAN) that uses a single computer as the gateway (or host) through which other devices connect to the Internet. Computers wired to the gateway computer or connecting to it wirelessly via an ad-hoc wireless network can use ICS.

Some of the features of Internet Connection Sharing include:

Allowing most any kind of device (including non-Windows and older Windows systems) to connect without having to install additional client software.Support for all of the connected clients to use many different protocols, including VPN and Internet gaming.Clients are automatically given an IP address and configured for DNS through the ICS computer.

In Windows 98 or Windows Me, ICS needed to be enabled or installed on the host computer from the Control Panel Add/Remove Programs (on the Windows Setup tab, double-click on Internet Tools, then select Internet Connection Sharing). Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 have this built-in already (look in the Local Area Connection properties for a setting under the Sharing tab to "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection").

Note: ICS requires the host computer to have a wired connection to a modem (e.g., DSL or cable modem) or an aircard or other mobile data modem, and the client computers either wired to your host computer or connecting to it via the host computer's free wireless adapter.

Learn how to use Internet Connection Sharing:

source from about.com

Ad Hoc Definition

Definition:

An ad hoc network is a type of temporary computer-to-computer connection. In ad hoc mode, you can set up a wireless connection directly to another computer without having to connect to a wireless access point or router.

Ad hoc networks are useful when you need to share files or other data directly with another computer but don't have access to a wireless network (e.g., if you're a visiting client or partner to a different office and aren't able to get on their network). You can also use Internet connection sharing with ad hoc mode to share your Internet connection with other users.

Another feature of ad hoc networks is that more than one laptop can be connected to the ad hoc network, as long as all of the adapter cards are configured for ad hoc mode and connect to the same SSID (service state identifier). The computers need to be within 100 meters of each other.

Also, if you were the person who set up the ad hoc network, when you disconnect from the network, all of the other users will also be disconnected. An ad hoc network will also be deleted once everyone on it disconnects -- which can be good or bad, depending on your view; it's truly a spontaneous network.

For file and printer sharing, all users will need to be in the same workgroup, or, if one computer is joined to a domain, the other user(s) will have to have accounts on that computer in order to access shared items.

Other limitations of ad hoc wireless networking include: WEP security (i.e., not secure at all), support up to 802.11g, and a data rate of 11 Mbps.

Newer Wi-Fi Direct technology elminiates many of the ad hoc wireless network limitations and is more secure, but until that technology is more widespread, you can Set Up an Ad Hoc Wireless Network and use it to Share Internet Access on one computer to many devices.

source from about.com

WEP Definition

Definition:

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a security protocol for wireless networks. It was introduced as part of the original 802.11 wireless protocol in 1997 and intended to match the security level of wired networks.

We know today that WEP is not a very secure protocol, easily cracked by software within minutes. It has since been replaced by stronger wireless encryption protocols, WPA and WPA2. Unfortunately, WEP is still being used on some wireless networks, likely creating a false sense of security.

source from about.com

Ad Hoc Definition

Definition:

An ad hoc network is a type of temporary computer-to-computer connection. In ad hoc mode, you can set up a wireless connection directly to another computer without having to connect to a wireless access point or router.

Ad hoc networks are useful when you need to share files or other data directly with another computer but don't have access to a wireless network (e.g., if you're a visiting client or partner to a different office and aren't able to get on their network). You can also use Internet connection sharing with ad hoc mode to share your Internet connection with other users.

Another feature of ad hoc networks is that more than one laptop can be connected to the ad hoc network, as long as all of the adapter cards are configured for ad hoc mode and connect to the same SSID (service state identifier). The computers need to be within 100 meters of each other.

Also, if you were the person who set up the ad hoc network, when you disconnect from the network, all of the other users will also be disconnected. An ad hoc network will also be deleted once everyone on it disconnects -- which can be good or bad, depending on your view; it's truly a spontaneous network.

For file and printer sharing, all users will need to be in the same workgroup, or, if one computer is joined to a domain, the other user(s) will have to have accounts on that computer in order to access shared items.

Other limitations of ad hoc wireless networking include: WEP security (i.e., not secure at all), support up to 802.11g, and a data rate of 11 Mbps.

Newer Wi-Fi Direct technology elminiates many of the ad hoc wireless network limitations and is more secure, but until that technology is more widespread, you can Set Up an Ad Hoc Wireless Network and use it to Share Internet Access on one computer to many devices.

source from about.com