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Streaming Media Devices

Home > Computers & Software > Wireless & Networking > Streaming Media Devices

Wireless networking, like so many things in life -- and especially the ones that have anything to do with computers -- is filled with jargon.

Hi-tech babble baffles many Don't be intimidated, though: here's a quick computer-speak to English guide to help you out.

802.11. The name of the wireless networking standard, set by the IEEE. Ensures that wireless devices are interoperable. Driver. A piece of computer software that tells the computer how to talk to devices that are plugged into it. For wireless networking, the drivers you need to install will come on a CD with any equipment you buy.

Ethernet. The most common way of connecting to a LAN. Any wires you might have connecting your computers together now are Ethernet wires, and the cable connecting your modem to your computer is probably an Ethernet wire too. Ghz. Gigahertz. A measurement of frequency -- one gigahertz is one billion cycles per second. You may recognise the measurement from computer processor speeds, which are now also measured in Ghz.

IEEE. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. In charge of the wireless networking standard, as well as many other computer-related standards (including the Ethernet standard). They ensure that computer equipment made by different manufacturers can work together. Interoperable. Means that two pieces of equipment are compatible -- you can use them together, because they stick to the standards. You should not get any wireless equipment that isn't interoperable.

LAN. Local Area Network. A network that is generally confined to one building, such as a home or office. A wireless LAN is also known as a WLAN. Linux. An alternative operating system to Windows. Computers running Linux can run many programs and connect to the Internet without needing Windows. Linux is free to download and you are allowed to give it to friends to use. A lot of wireless devices run Linux, or are compatible with it.

MAN. Metropolitan Area Network. A network that covers a larger area, for example a town or city. Wireless MANs (men?) spread Internet access all over the area, but are expensive to set up. They are sometimes used on university campuses.

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