Here are some terms and descriptions to help with the basics of WiFi for those new to the technology. Hope they help.
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Terms
WiFi-- Wireless Fidelity, or, commonly, wireless networking.
Log-- activity record
LAN--Local Area Network
WLAN--Wireless Local Area Network
AP-- Access Point
Router-- An electronic device containing a 2.5 Ghz radio transmitter, receiver, antenna, a "chip" [computer processor] storage capabilities and software/firmware that manages traffic, security, logs, etc. A router used by consumers is commonly used as an AP. Most routers used in the home and many business are connected to a desktop computer by a cable. The router setup and connection to the internet is done via this cable. "Most routers are specialized computers optimized for communications; however, router functions can also be implemented by adding software to a server. Routers used to be called "gateways.""
SSID--Service Set Identifier, also referred to as a network name because essentially it is a name that identifies a wireless network. The ssid on a new router is generic and should be changed at setup. The SSID SHOULD NOT INCLUDE ANY PERSONAL INFORMAITON, ie. name, address, etc.
WEP--Wired Equivalent Privacy, a security protocol for wireless local area
networks (WLANs). Enabling WEP is better than no security at all.
WAP--Wireless Application Protocol, A more secure security protocol than WEP but should be paired with the AES encryption protocol.
MAC--Machine Address Code or Media Access Control layer. The protocol that controls access to the physical transmission medium on a LAN. MAC layer functionality is built into the network adapter and includes a unique serial number that identifies each card/adapter.
Secured-- WEP or WAP security protocol enabled. SSID changed. Access by specific MAC addresss can be specified as can the number of users. The passphrase used SHOULD NOT CONTAIN WORDS FOUND IN A DICTIONARY.
Unsecured--WEP or WAP security protocol not enabled. This can be the result of lack of education in securtiy, lazyness or a deliberate
decision.
WIFI CLIENT/NETWORK ADAPTER-- the device in the laptop that connects to the AP. The security configuration and SSID of the AP and the client must be the same for the devices to communicate. This means the connection between an unsecured AP and your laptop is unsecured. The owner of the AP has the same access to your laptop as you do to their computer.
HONYPOT--An AP specifically setup to log unauthorized use. They cannot be distinguished from a standard AP.
PUBLIC ACCESS--Generally refers to a "hotspot", usually locations such as airports, coffee shops, and so on, They will usually display instructions when browser software opens on connection to their AP. It does not refer to an unsecured AP.
http://www.wififreespot.com/faqs.html
HACKER--
http://www.answers.com/hacker&r=67
HIJACKING--
http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery;...d=6&sbid=lc04a