802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition

Glossary

AAA

Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting. A protocol or system which enables users to prove identity, obtain access to resources, and collect usage statistics. RADIUS is the most common AAA protocol in use with 802.11 networks.

access point

See AP.

ACK

Abbreviation for "Acknowledgment.” ACKs are used extensively in 802.11 to provide reliable data transfers over an unreliable medium. For more details, see "Contention-Based Data Service" in Chapter 3.

Acknowledgment

See ACK.

ad hoc

A network characterized by temporary, short-lived relationships between nodes. See also IBSS.

AES

Advanced Encryption Standard. A cipher selected by NIST to replace the older Data Encryption Standard (DES) in 2001 after a five-year evaluation. AES is a 128-bit block cipher which uses either 128-, 192-or 256-bit keys. It has been widely adopted by many protocols requiring the use of a block cipher, including 802.11i’s CCMP, though CCMP uses only 128-bit keys. AES is specified in FIPS Publication 197.

AID

Association Identifier. A number that identifies data structures in an access point allocated for a specific mobile node.

AKM

Authentication and Key Management. A set of protocols used to establish user identity and keys. The two currently defined on wireless networks are 802.1X and pre-shared keys.

AP

Access Point. Bridge-like device that attaches wireless 802.11 stations to a wired backbone network. For more information on the general structure of an access point, see Chapter 20.

AS

Authentication Server. ...