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The chaos caused by the usage of various different technologies in LAN communication (local area network) in the 1980's necessitated the creation of a single standard - the IEEE.802. Suffixing the name IEEE.802, are one or two characters - these define certain sub-segments. The IEEE 802.11 is responsible for Wifi, meaning for cable-free, local networks. Further versions of this have meanwhile been developed. The 802.11a introduced in 1997 was followed in 1999 by 802.11b and the commercial breakthrough thanks to the currently possible transmission rates of approx. 11 MBit/s. 802.11g with rates of up to 54 MBit/s is presently being introduced. 2004 saw the introduction of 802.11i, , a standard which focuses primarily on security. However, a new standard is already on the way, one which will end the present coexistence: given ideal conditions, 802.11n can attain a rate of 315 Mbit/s. All four standards were established by the IEEE. Also see IEE and 802.11a, b, g, i and n.. |
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The 802.11a standard, introduced in 1997 operates in the 5 GHz band and achieves max. 6 Mbit/s. The 802.11a has no relevant security mechanisms. |
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This standard was introduced to the market in 1999. It transmits in the 2.4 GHz bandwidth and attains transmission rates of (on average) 11 Mbit/s up to a max. of 20 Mbit/s . With a WEP and using the RC4 algorithm, 802.11b can work from 64 bit encryption (40 bit in real terms) up to 128 bit (140 bit in real terms). WEP , however, is no longer commensurate with the demands on a secure Wifi. |
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With a transmission rate of up to 54 Mbit/s the 802.11g standard sets new yardsticks not only in the 2.4 GHz bandwidth, but also in the security sector. Following the vulnerable WEP 802.11g establishes the much more secure WPA as a new procedure. Furthermore, 802.11g is also downward-compatible and as such enables communication with devices used by 802.11b. |
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is a very young standard, first introduced in 2004. This standard doesn't use WEP, instead opting for encryption codes that use AES and WPA. |
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The IEEE is targeting a new dimension in data transmission with the standard 802.11n. 500 Mbps is the objective, but at first this will only be used for the transmission of high-resolution TV programmes. |
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The Access Point is the central connecting unit between a wired network on the one hand and Wifi devices on the other. An Access Point receives and transmits data by Ethernet cable and also (cable-free) via 802.11x. Further functions are also available, e.g. control of the security tools for the network. Also see Router. |
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„Access Control List“ ACL limits the access to a local network to only certain MAC or IP addresses. In the configuration menu of the Router, certain defined MAC or IP addresses are entered as being permissible - all subsequent addresses are rejected. |
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Each commercial WISP sets up an account for the user. This account is used for the calculation of the utilisation fee - either by duration of use or volume of data transmitted (time or volume). Also see Prepaid & Postpaid |
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This mode enables Network cards to communicate with one another, without the need for an Access Point. As in the Bluetooth procedure, the ranges are significantly less than the standard Wifi. Accordingly, computers using this must be close to one another. Pre-requisite for communication is an identical SSID identifier for all participating network cards. Suitable for (e.g.) the fast, uncomplicated exchange of data or for games. |
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„Advanced Encryption Standard“ US authorities use this standard to encrypt their data. This can process encryptions of up to 256-bit and serves as a basis for the security system for WPA2 cable-free data transmission. |
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„Asymteric Digital Subscriber Line“ ADSL is an asymmetrical form of copper-wire data transmission, resulting in especially high data transmission rates of up to 6 Mbps. Also see DSL |
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„American Standard Code for Information Interchange“ Standard for displaying letters, numbers and special symbols via 7 bit information. This enables the exchange of information in spite of different operating systems. 2 x 128 characters can meanwhile be displayed by ASCII and more language-specific characters can consequently be transmitted. |
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1 Bit is the smallest information unit in the computer world and displays binary Yes/No information in the 0/1 form. 8 Bits combine to make 1 byte. Also see Mbit/s. |
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Like Wifi, Bluetooth needs no cables for data transmission. At its maximum range of 10m, a transmission speed of 1 Mbps can be attained. This technology is mainly used for communication between mobile telephones/organisers and computers, but also for picture transmission from digital cameras to printers. The name Bluetooth is derived from the Danish king Harald Bluetooth, who reigned over large areas of Scandinavia in the 10th century (source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth). |
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Intel's Centrino enables a direct link to Wifi networks which use 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g and has a high level of security thanks to WPA. Intel Centrino laptops all have a Wifi network card. |
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A Client is a software that is installed on a user's computer - it receives data from the network of a host (provider) or server. In a Wifi context, the WiFi Manager is the client installed on your computer. It downloads the latest Hotspots from the Lycos server, informing you of Hotspots near you and even connecting you with them - at no charge and in the most comfortable manner imaginable. |
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„Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications“ DECT is the standard for cordless telephones and transmits in the 1.88 and 1.9 GHz bandwidths. |
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Analogue and ISDN connections require a dialer to dial into the Internet. Windows calls their dial-up programme Network Connections (actually RDT or Remote Data Transfer). The 0190 dialers have now fallen out of grace, since they replace the actual numbers of your ISP with very expensive 0190 numbers. As a DSL and Wifi user, however, you need have no worries on that score. |
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„Domain Name Systen“ The DNS manages IP addresses that consist of a numeric code (e.g. in the format 111.222.33.44). These are converted into alphabetical order by a DNS server, since a name like www.lycos.co.uk is easier to remember than http://212,78,220,236 (the present IP of Lycos.co.uk). |
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„Digital Subsricber Line“ The DNS manages IP addresses that consist of a numeric code (e.g. in the format 111.222.33.44). These are converted into alphabetical order by a DNS server, since a name like www.lycos.co.uk is easier to remember than http://212,78,220,236 (the present IP of Lycos.co.uk). |
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The term Ethernet is used to describe a local, wired network (LAN). The Ethernet standard has succeeded in holding its own against many other types and has been constantly further developed. If you're a DSL user, there's an excellent chance that you have an Ethernet cable in your computer`s Ethernet input connecting it to your DSL modem. |
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A Firewall is used to protect vulnerable networks or computers from attacks carried out from the environment and the Internet. |
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Firmware means a basic software that is stored in various hardware components like, for example routers. Often hardly apparent to a user, it takes over basic tasks. The most common example of a firmware is BIOS. Please always ensure that your router has the most up-to-date firmware available. |
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The Hexadecimal system recognizes the numerals from 0 to 9 and the letters from A to F. It's often used in the IT sector, since in contrast to the decimal system it is based on powers of two, like the binary system. If you have already programmed in html, you will know the hexadecimal system from the definition of colour tones (example: 00FF00 = green). |
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A Hotspot is a public Internet access point - within its reception/transmission area you can access the Internet. There are now many thousands of hotspots in the UK - in hotels, bars, cafés and many more locations. In the huge Lycos Hotspot Database http://wlan.lycos.co.uk (powered by Spotigo WiFi Specialist) you're guaranteed to find a Hotspot near you. Also see Access Point WISP Voucher |
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Several computers can be linked to a network via a hub and in this way can exchange data. In contrast to Switch, all the data is transmitted to all the computers via all the lines - this means that a hub system is significantly more vulnerable than a Switch system and works much more slowly. |
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Also see 802.11 |
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„Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers“ The IEEE (http://ieee.com) is an international advisory board founded in the USA with around 400,000 members - the board defined IEEE standards as we know them today. Also see 802.11 |
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„Internet Protocoll-address“ Every computer and every other device that is connected to the Internet via a standard TCP/IP protocol is allocated an individual IP address. This IP address consists of 32 bits and in most cases is sub-divided into four numerals separated by a point. You can check your own IP anytime at www.whatismyip.com. |
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An ISP offers you Internet access. Different providers offer very different speeds, prices and tariff models (e.g. billing by time or by volume). |
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„Integrated Services Digital Network“ Besides having many other functions, an ISDN connection offers you Internet access that is twice as fast as the analogue version. As a narrow band network, it doesn't compare favourably to the DSL broadband network. |
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„Local Area Network“ The abbreviation LAN describes a local network, which functions independently of the Internet, exchanging data at a rate of up to 10 Gbit/s. These networks have mainly become well-known thanks to LAN parties in the computer game scene - they've meanwhile become common in offices as well, connecting several computers with one another or with just one printer or scanner. |
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Metropolitan Area Network In contrast to the Wide Area Network (WAN), MAN is limited to a transparent area like a small town, a suburb, or a group comprised of a few villages. |
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„Megabit per second“ 1 MB comprises 1 million bits. 1 Mbit/s means the corresponding data volume per second. |
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„Media Access Control“ A MAC address is a distinctive number given to every network-capable device by its manufacturer - it serves as a physical identification and encompasses 6 bits. |
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„Modulator / Demodulator“ A Modem converts analogue signals (like those transmitted by telephone lines) into digital signals (like those created by computers). There are internal and external modems as well as many different models for all transmission rates (e.g. analogue, ISDN, DSL). |
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In order to have your computer link up with several computers (network), you need a network interface card. Most network interface cards (NIC) transmit data at a speed of 100 Mbit/s. NIC are connected directly or via a Switch or Hub to a Router. They are connected to your PC via a PCI Bus or plugged into the PCMCIA interface of your laptop. |
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Although in an Open System every single Client is accepted, this certainly doesn't mean that a system like this is also open to attack. The authentification of a client occurs irrespective of data encryption. |
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„Peripheral Component Interconnect Bus“ A PCI Bus is a slot in a PC for e.g. graphics or a network interface card and is suitable for either 32 or 64 bit-wide bus systems. |
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„PCMemory Card International Association“ The PCMCIA defines fixed standards for PC expansion cards - these standards are necessary for notebooks and PDA's - and especially for connection via Card Bus slots. Network interface cards, modems and portable hard drives can be linked via these connections. |
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„Personal Digital Assistent“ Portable mini-computers are used for e.g. managing addresses, appointments and e-mails and often have Internet access capability. PDA's have no keyboard and are controlled by means of stylus and touchscreen. In future, PDA's will operate on Wifi connections. Alternative name: Pocket PC |
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Just as in the case of a contract mobile telephone, with Postpaid you pay after your surfing period is over. Also see Prepaid |
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„Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet“ A PPP establishes the connection between two computers before data transmission begins. The suffix "over Ethernet" means that this particular connection operates via an Ethernet cable. |
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Just like a prepaid mobile telephone, the customer acquires time or volume credits in advance. He can then use these credits with one (or several=Roaming) Provider(s) (WISP) to surf on the Internet. Also see Postpaid & Voucher |
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In this context, this means all Internet Service Providers (ISP). A provider offers you, his customer, diverse Internet services, like the possibility of logging into a Hotspot with your laptop. WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) |
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„Rons Code 4“ The RC4 algorithm is used for the encryption of Wifi data streams and especially for the WEP security systems. This RC4, by the way, is meanwhile deemed to be unsafe. Named after its developer, Ronald Rivest. |
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Directional antennas have a more bundled and more powerful beam than omnidirectional antennas |
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Omnidirectional antennas don't perform as well as directional antennas and have to be oriented with a great deal of accuracy. |
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Roaming Agreements between providers enable customers to use the Hotspots of different providers, while retaining the same billing models and login procedures. |
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The Router is the interface between a local network (LAN) and the Internet. It coordinates the sending and receiving of data packets between the local computers of the LANs and the Internet. Also see HUB and Switch |
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„Service Set Identifier Description“ Various wireless networks can be distinguished via the SSID, which is sent out from an Access Point. The operator is very often identified by his name. If the SSID transmission signal is switched off, a client can only log in to an Access Point if he knows its exact SSID. We highly recommend that operators of non-commercial Hotspots should deactivate SSID transmission, change the SSID regularly and use descriptions comprised of combinations of letters, numbers and special characters. Also see: Security check |
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Thanks to the subnet mask, the host part of an IP address can be further sub-divided. The typical form is 255.255.255.0. Instead of the 0, diverse numerals can be given for connected computers. You can set up a subnet mask in the Properties of your TCP/IP protocol. |
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Several computers can be linked to a network via a Switch and can thus exchange data. A Switch is more secure and also faster than a HUB, since data is only sent between the two participating computers. |
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„Transmission Control Protocol“ The standard network protocol, which regulates the method and manner of data traffic on the Internet. |
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See DSL |
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Voucher means a credit towards the use of one (or more) Hotspot(s) of a WISP. The credit is either issued on a paper ticket or a plastic card, upon which a scratch square is set - the square contains the concealed access data. Also see Prepaid |
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„Universal Serial Bus“ A USB cable has four pins and is used to connect computers with peripheral devices like digital cameras, keyboards, modems etc. In the Wifi sector, a Wifi-capable USB stick can replace the network interface card. They are easy to use, but not always as dependable as the cards. |
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„Wide Area Network“ In contrast to the local LAN, WAN connects computers and local networks with one another over large distances, like entire countries or even continents. |
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„Wireless Access Revolution-Driving“ War-drivers search with their laptops and PDA's for bad or insecure Access Points and attempt to log in to them. They can then surf the Internet at the expense of the operator, spy on data stored in his computer and delete it, edit it and generally create havoc. In Internet forums, town plans displaying these insufficiently-secured Hotspots are exchanged on a regular basis. Find out how to protect yourself from War drivers in our Security check |
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„Wired Equivalent Privacy“ A security system for data transmission in a Wifi network, plus general access to the network, which uses the RC4 algorithm. Considerably more vulnerable than its >WPA successor. WEP encrypts data using 40- or 104-bit keys. |
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Wi-Fi is the abbreviation for a collective group of around 200 companies active in the Wifi sector. Wi-Fi sets and provides standards e.g. for the IEEE. |
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The WiFi Manager will find many thousands of Hotspots for you. On the one hand, you can access the enormous database that is integrated in WiFi Manager, or have all the Hotspots within the range of your location displayed on your screen. Here is your WiFi Manager download! |
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Through Wifi technology, we can now access the Internet in a flexible and mobile manner without the need for cables. Entire offices and apartments, but above all public Hotspots in cafés, hotels and restaurants can now be used to access the Internet without any cables and these can be used by you too, with the help of our Wifi Manager. |
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„Wireless Internet Service Provider“ A WISP makes cable-free access to the Internet available to customers. Also see Provider |
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„Wireless Local Area Network“. Abbreviation for a local wireless network. With Wifi, computers can be connected without the need for cables and communicate with one another by wireless (microwave range) or infrared beams. Besides home and office applications, the true beneficiary of Wifi is the ubiquitous laptop, which can connect to the Internet in caf?s, hotels and many other locations - cable-free (wireless) within a network. These access points are called Hotspots. |
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A security system for data transmission in a Wifi network, plus general access to the network itself. This is the successor to WEP - and it's significantly more secure. WPA was developed as a result of an initiative of the Wi-Fi Consortium making cable-free data transmission more secure. |
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The WPA security standard, compatible with its predecessor, uses the AES for the encryption of data transmitted over cable-free networks. Not compatible to WEP. |