Wireless Performance Terms

802.11b– An international IEEE standard for WLAN networks, operating at 2.4 GHz and providing 11 Mbps. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
802.11g – A new IEEE standard emerging for WLAN networks, operating at 2.4 GHz and providing 55 Mbps. Antennas operating at 24 GHz would be compatible with Lotus 802.11b and 802.11g.

Access point (AP)– A transceiver or radio component in a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) that acts as the transfer point between wired and wireless signals, and vice versa. The AP is connected to antennas as well as to the wired LAN system.

Antenna– A wireless system component that converts wired electrical energy to wireless radio waves, and directs them through the air in some pattern.

Bandwidth– The bandwidth of an antenna is the range of radio frequencies it can transmit or receive efficiently. The bandwidth of the communication device, such as an access point, is the range of frequencies used by or allocated to the communication device. Bandwidth is sometimes also used to describe the throughput of an information network. Networks with higher data rates have higher throughput and may be said to have more bandwidth. Higher information content typically demands more bandwidth.

Bluetooth– A Special Interest Group, comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing and network industries, that is developing a new standard for short range wireless communications between devices, such as between PDAs and laptop computers or between mobile phones and vending machines. Bluetooth uses the same frequency band (2.4 GHz) as 802.11b wireless networks.

Cellular – Refers to frequencies in the 800 MHz band in which some mobile phones operate.

Data transmission rates– The speed at which data is transferred over a communications line measured in bits per second.

Diversity– The technique of using more than one antenna to ensure that the received signal strength is always maximized.

Frequency– The number of times an electromagnetic wave goes through a complete cycle in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Gain– The increase in signal strength. For antennas, the gain is a comparative number based on an ideal antenna. For a given power level, higher gain typically indicates more directional radiation pattern.

Distributed antenna system (DAS)– A network of components that input a radio frequency (wireless) signal, convert it to wired media, transport it throughout a facility, and then re-convert it back to a wireless signal. A DAS is used to bring radio frequency coverage inside a facility for mobile users.

Dual band– Refers to an antenna, communication device, or other RF hardware that works at two different frequencies (or bands).

LAN– Local Area Network. Also referred to as Ethernet.

Mbps– Million (Mega) bits per second.

PAN– Personal Area Network. Term often used in reference to Bluetooth technologies that enable short-range communications among wireless devices.

PCS– Refers to "Personal Communication Systems" and to specific frequencies in the 1900 MHz band at which some mobile phones operate.

Polarization– The orientation of the electromagnetic waves; can be linear (vertical or horizontal) and circular.

Radio frequency (RF)– The area (or band) of the electromagnetic spectrum where most radio communication takes place, typically from 100 KHz to 100 GHz.

Repeater– A base station set up to extend the range of mobile communication by "repeating" everything it hears on its receiver frequency over its transmit frequency. For an in-building wireless system, a repeater generally consists of an external, high-gain antenna combined with a bi-directional signal amplifier. This repeater is then connected to a DAS.

Service provider– Also referred to as wireless operators or "carriers," Service Providers sell minutes of use (MOU) on their wireless networks.

Site survey– A comprehensive facility study, typically performed by a radio frequency engineer. The goal of the site survey is to create an accurate wireless system design/layout and budgetary quote.

System integrator – Provides engineering design, layout and installation of wireless systems. System Integrators may be authorized resellers of various system hardware providers (see "System Provider").

System provider– Manufactures and sells components of a wireless system or a complete wireless system. Their customers are system integrators or service providers.

WAN– Wide Area Network.

Wi-Fi– Wireless Fidelity. Name and logo provided by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) to wireless system providers whose access points meet the 802.1lb standard.

WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network.