Access Point - An Access Point is a device that allow wireless clients to connect to other wirelss clients and it acts as a bridge between wireless clients and a wired ethernet connection.

Broadband - A type of data transmission in which a single medium such as a cable carries several channels of data at once.

Channel - Wireless Access Points allow you to choose different radio channels in the wireless spectrum.  Most wireless LAN 's operate within the 2.4ghz spectrum and a channel is within an FCC specified range, similar to any radio channel.

Client - A client is the desktop, mobile PC or device (eg printer) that is connected to your network.

Device name - Also known as DHCP client ID or network name.  Sometimes provided by an ISP when using DHCP to assign addresses.

DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - This protocol allows a computer (or many computers or devices on your network) to be automatically assigned an IP address from a DHCP server.

DNS - Domain Name System - DNS allows internet host computers to have a domain name and one or more IP addresses.  A DNS server keeps a database of host computers and their respective domain names and IP addresses, so that when a user enters a domain  name into a web browser they are sent the proper IP address for that domains host.  Most home users use their ISP's DNS server.

DSL Modem - A DSL modem uses your existing phone line to transmit data at high speeds.  

Encryption - Encryption encodes your data as it is transmitted so that only the hosts intended can read the data can decode it.

ESSID - or SSID- (Extended Service Set Identifier) - You must have the same ESSID entered into the gateway, AP and each of its wireless clients.  The ESSID is a unique identifier for your wireless network.

Ethernet - Ethernet networks are networks connected by cables, usually category 5 (cat 5) with RJ45 connectors.  Generall switches or hubs are used to join the clients together.  This is the standard for computer networks.

Frame-bursting - Refers to burst mode.  Burst mode optionally allows a station to transmit a series of frames without relinquishing control of the transmission medium.

Firewall - A firewall determines which information passes in or out of a network.  NAT can create a firewall by hiding a networks IP addresses from the internet.  A firewall prevents anyone outside of your network from accessing your computer.

Gateway - A network point that manages all of the data traffic in or out of your network to the internet and connects one network to the other.