Broadband Glossary - W

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, U, V, W, 0-9

Broadband terms defined on this page:

• WAN
• Web browser
• WEP
• Wireless (WiFi)
• Wireless access point
• Wireless channel
• Wireless isolation
• Wireless network name
• Wireless security
• Wireless station access list
• WPA

WAN

Wide Area Network. A network over a large geographical area that will include many LANs.
Back to top of page

Web browser

A program that allows users to use the internet, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox Mozilla.
Back to top of page

WEP

Wired Equivalent Privacy. Wireless encryption providing security against hackers and protecting data sent over wireless networks.
Back to top of page

Wireless (WiFi)

The use of radio signals to connect computers to modems without cables, so that they can connect to the internet without wires, anywhere within the reach of the signal.
Back to top of page

Wireless access point

A device used to connect a computer to a wireless router to extend the reach of the wireless signal.
Back to top of page

Wireless channel

There are usually 13 channels on your router and it will use one of them to connect you to the internet. It might automatically select the right channel or you might have to set it yourself.
Back to top of page

Wireless isolation

Allows you to hide your wireless signal from other PCs so that they cannot even detect your SSID (see above). Wireless isolation is built in to some routers but must be activated by the user.
Back to top of page

Wireless network name

Technically known as an SSID, this is the name by which your wireless signal is identified.
Back to top of page

Wireless security

See WEP and WPA.
Back to top of page

Wireless station access list

Adds extra security to your network. As well as needing the encryption key, users wanting to access your wireless network would have to be on the access list.
Back to top of page

WPA

Newer, more advanced method of encryption for wireless networks. Provides more security than WEP.
Back to top of page