Access Point. a hardware device or a computer's software that acts as a communication hub for users of a wireless device to connect to a wired LAN. APs are important for providing heightened wireless security and for extending the physical range of service a wireless user has access to.
802.11a. An IEEE wireless standard that was defined subsequent to 802.11b. It operates in the 5Ghz radio frequency range - meaning that it is incompatible with the 802.11b and 802.11g standards. LBCC does not offer 802.11a service.
802.11b. The original IEEE wireless standard. It operates at 11Mbit/s in the 2.4Ghz radio frequency range.
802.11g. The most recent IEEE wireless standard, operating at up to 54Mbit/s in the same radio frequency range as the earlier 'b' standard. 802.11g devices are also compatible with 802.11b devices, although they operate at the slower speed in this mode.
Wi-Fi. Short for 'Wireless Fidelity'. A branding scheme for 802.11a/b/g equipment from different vendors; equipment from one vendor labeled with the 'Wi-Fi' branding should be compatible with other vendors equipment.
