Glossary for Wireless Network

 ​​A

• ACL (Access Control List)
  

Network filter rules to control traffic or user access.

• Adjacent Channel Interference (ACI)
  

​Interference caused by overlapping frequency channels.

• AI-Driven Optimization

Cloud-based auto-tuning of wireless networks.

• ​Airtime Fairness

Allocates equal transmission time to devices, not equal bandwidth.

• Airtime Utilization

​Metric showing how busy a channel is.

• ​Auto Channel Selection

Dynamically assigns the best channel to an AP.

• Auto Backup

Scheduled backups of controller configurations.

• Auto Provisioning

Automatically configuring a device when it joins the network.

• AP Isolation

Prevents wireless clients from communicating with each other.

• Anomaly Detection

Identifies abnormal network behavior.

• Antenna Gain

Measure of an antenna’s ability to focus signal in a direction (dBi).

• ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)

Resolves IP to MAC addresses in LAN.

• ​Auto-Healing Mesh

Mesh network reroutes automatically if a node fails (Ruckus Mesh, UniFi Mesh).

• ​Access Point

Extends your WiFi coverage by letting more devices connect wirelessly.

• ​Antenna

Sends and receives WiFi signals. External antennas improve range.

B

• Beamforming

Focuses WiFi signal toward client devices. 

• Backup WAN

Secondary internet connection for redundancy.

• BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
  

Used for location tracking, IoT beacons in some UniFi/Ruckus APs.

• Band Steering

Encourages dual-band devices to use the 5GHz/6GHz band.

• Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID)

Unique MAC address of a wireless AP.

• Bufferbloat

Excessive buffering leading to high latency.

• ​Bridge Mode

A networking mode allowing devices to pass traffic without routing.

• ​Bandwidth

The max data your network can handle at once, measured in Mbps or Gbps.

• ​Bluetooth

Short-range wireless tech for connecting nearby devices like speakers or headphones.

C

• Captive Portal
  

     Login screen for guest networks before granting internet access.

• Channel Bonding
  

    Combines multiple channels for higher throughput.

• Channel 
  

A lane used by WiFi to transmit data. Choosing a clear channel reduces interference. ​

• CLI (Command Line Interface)
  

    Text-based configuration interface.

• Client Steering
  

 Directs clients to optimal APs or bands.

• Cloud Controller
  

    Web-managed controller system (e.g., UniFi Cloud, Omada Cloud).

• Co-Channel Interference (CCI)
  

    Performance degradation from APs on the same channel.

• Controller
  

 Software/hardware managing network devices centrally.

• Cloud Key
  

    Ubiquiti UniFi’s hybrid local/cloud controller appliance.

• Controller-Less Deployment
  

    APs managed without a dedicated controller (Ruckus Unleashed).

• Channel Utilization 
  

Tracks how busy a channel is; critical for RF planning.

• Cat 6 (Category 6)
  

   Supports up to 10 Gbps at 55 meters and 1 Gbps at 100 meters. It’s a standard for modern wired backbones in wireless deployments. Has better shielding and reduced crosstalk over Cat 5e.

• Cat 6A (Augmented Category 6)​
  

    Supports 10 Gbps over 100 meters. Shielded and ideal for high-performance enterprise-grade networks, PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus), and for future-proofing Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 access point connections.

• Cat 7 (Category 7)
  

Designed for 10 Gbps over 100 meters with improved shielding and Class F performance. Uses GG45 or TERA connectors (not standard RJ45), which can lead to compatibility issues.

• Cat 8 (Category 8)
  

Next-gen cabling supporting 25–40 Gbps over short distances (up to 30 meters). Ideal for data centers and ultra-high-speed uplinks between switches, but rarely used in standard building LANs.​

D

• Dashboard
  

     Visual interface for managing and monitoring network health.

• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
  

     Assigns IP addresses automatically.

• DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection)
  

     Uses radar-protected 5GHz channels.

• DTIM (Delivery Traffic Indication Message)
  

     Determines how often devices in power-save mode wake up.

• Dbm
  

    Signal strength reading. Closer to -30 is strong; -90 is weak.

• Dual WAN Failover
  

     Automatically switches internet connections if one fails.

• Dual-Band Access Point
  

     Supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz simultaneously.

• Downlink
  

     Data sent from the AP to the client. ​

• Dynamic VLAN Assignment
  

     Assigns VLANs based on user credentials (e.g., UniFi with RADIUS).

E

• EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol)
  

    Auth protocol used with WPA2-Enterprise.

• Edge Computing
  

    Processes data near the source for faster response.

• EOL (End of Life)
  

     Product is no longer sold.

• EOS (End of Support)
  

    Product no longer receives updates/support.

• Ethernet Backhaul
  

     APs linked by wired Ethernet to improve mesh performance.

• Egress Filtering
  

     Controls what traffic can leave a VLAN or network.

• Ethernet cable
  

      A wired connection to your router for fast, stable internet.

F

• Firmware
  

     Software embedded in hardware like APs and switches.

• Floorplan Mapping
  

     Visual AP placement planning on architectural layouts.​

• Firewall
  

  Security system controlling traffic between networks.

• Fast Roaming (802.11r)
  

     Enables quicker AP handoffs for mobile clients.

• Failover Group
  

     Redundancy group of APs or WANs for continuity.

• Frequency Band
  

      WiFi uses 2.4 GHz (longer range) and 5/6 GHz (faster speeds, shorter range).

G

• Guest VLAN
  

      VLAN dedicated to visitors, often isolated from internal systems.

• GUI (Graphical User Interface)
  

    Point-and-click interface for management.

H

• Hairpin NAT
  

     Allows internal devices to access services using external IPs.

• Hidden Node Problem
  

    When devices can't hear each other, causing data collisions.

• Hot Spare
  

     Standby device ready to replace a failed one.

• High-Density Deployment
  

    AP configurations for areas with many simultaneous users.

• Hybrid Cloud
  

    Management via cloud while keeping data/control local.

• Hotspot
  

      A device or location that shares internet via WiFi.

I

• Interference Mitigation
  

     Techniques to reduce RF noise from other devices.​

• IGMP Snooping

    Optimizes multicast traffic, especially for IPTV or streaming.

• Inter-VLAN Routing
  

     Allows traffic between different VLANs.

• Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (IDS/IPS)
  

    Monitors for malicious activity.

• IoT VLAN
  

     VLAN dedicated to IoT devices for security and segmentation.

• ISO 27001 

International information security standard.

• Idle Timeout
  

    The resistance of an electrical circuit to the flow of alternating current, measured in ohms (Ω). Matching the impedance of speakers and amplifiers is crucial for           optimal performance.​

• Internet of Things (IoT)

Everyday smart devices (like cameras, fridges) connected to the internet. International information security standard.

• IP Address 

A unique ID for each device on a network.

J

• Jumbo Frames
  

   Ethernet frames larger than standard 1500 bytes.

• JSON API
  

  Used by UniFi/Omada systems for integrations with external tools.

K

• KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
  

    Network health metric (e.g., latency, uptime).

• Key Rotation Interval
  

 Frequency at which WPA/WPA2 keys are refreshed.

L

• LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol)
  

  Bundles multiple ports for redundancy/performance.

• Lag
  

    Delay caused by poor signal or overloaded network.

• Latency
  

    Delay in data transmission, crucial for VoIP and gaming

• Line-of-Sight (LOS)
  

    Clear path between devices, important for outdoor wireless links.

• Load Balancing
  

    Distributes traffic across multiple WAN links or APs.

• Local Controller
  

    On-premises software for managing wireless networks.

• Local Breakout
  

    Guest traffic exits locally instead of tunneling to HQ.​

• Link Budget
  

    Calculation of total gains/losses in a wireless link.

• LAN (Local Area Network)
  

     A private network of connected devices in one place—home or office. ​

M

• MAC Spoofing
  

    Faking a device’s MAC address to bypass security.

• Mesh Network
  

    Decentralized network where each AP relays data.

• mDNS (Multicast DNS)
  

   Used by devices like Chromecast and Apple TV for discovery.

• Mounting Bracket
  

    Physical hardware for installing APs.

• Multicast Enhancement
  

  Boosts performance for multicast apps (e.g., IPTV, video conferencing).

• MAC Filtering​
  

  Allows or blocks devices based on MAC addresses.

• Management VLAN
  

    VLAN dedicated to network infrastructure management.​

• Modem
  

    Connects your home to the internet via your ISP. ​

• MU-MIMO
  

    Stands for Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output. It lets a router talk to several devices at the same time—making WiFi faster and more efficient.

N

• NAT (Network Address Translation)
  

   Translates private IPs to public IPs..​

• Native VLAN
  

   Default VLAN assigned to untagged traffic on trunk ports.​

• NetFlow
  

Monitors and analyzes IP traffic patterns.

• Network Segmentation
  

  Divides network into segments for performance/security.

• NVR (Network Video Recorder)
  

 Used in IP surveillance systems.

• Neighbor APs
  

    Other APs seen in the RF environment, often visualized in heatmaps.

• Netmask
  

   Defines IP subnet structure.

O

• Omada
  

TP-Link's SDN-based cloud-managed WiFi system.

• OpenVPN
  

    Secure remote access VPN protocol.

• Omada Controller (OC200/OC300)
  

    TP-Link’s hardware controller appliances.​

• OFDMA  (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access)
  

A WiFi 6 feature that lets multiple devices share a channel at once—reducing lag and boosting efficiency in busy networks.

P

• Packet Loss
  

Data packets failing to reach their destination. 

• Ping
  

A quick test to check if your device can reach another over the network. ​

• Ping Watchdog
  

   Feature that pings a device/IP and reboots AP if unreachable.

• Port Isolation
  

    Restricts communication between switch ports.

• Port Mirroring
  

    Copies network traffic for analysis.

• PVID (Port VLAN ID)
  

    VLAN tag assigned to untagged traffic.

• PoE (Power over Ethernet)
  

 Powers APs and switches over network cables.

• Packet Sniffing
  

    Captures data packets for network analysis.

​

• Port-Based VLAN
  

VLAN assignments based on switch port location.​

• PPSK (Private Pre-Shared Key)
  

  A WiFi security method where each user or device gets a unique WiFi password—ideal for guest access, better control, and improved security. 

Q

• QoS (Quality of Service)
  

 Prioritizes traffic (e.g., VoIP over downloads).

• Quick Setup Wizard
  

Simplified configuration tool (found in UniFi and Omada). ​

R

• RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service)
  

     Used for secure WiFi logins.

• Rogue AP Detection
  

    Identifies unauthorized wireless access points.

• Roaming
  

   Seamless transition of devices between APs.

• Ruckus Unleashed
  

    Controller-less solution for Ruckus WiFi networks.

• Radio Resource Management (RRM)
  

   Auto tuning of RF parameters (especially in Ruckus).

• Redundancy Protocols
  

    Ensure failover across controllers or gateways.​

• Range
  

    How far your WiFi signal can travel effectively. 

• Router 
  

    Distributes internet from the modem to your devices.

S

• Site Survey
  

 On-site evaluation of wireless coverage and interference.

• Smart DHCP
  

  Assigns IPs based on SSID/VLANs.

• SSID (Service Set Identifier)
  

The network name you see when connecting to WiFi.

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
  

   Prevents network loops in switches.

• Sticky Client
  

    A device that stays connected to a weak AP.

• Switch 

    A device connecting wired devices within a network. ​

• Seamless Roaming
  

    Smooth handoff between APs without losing connection.

• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
  

    Monitors and manages network devices.

• Syslog
  

    Centralized logging system for network events.​

T

• TCP/UDP
  

   Protocols for internet communication. TCP = reliable, UDP = fast.

• Topology
  

    Physical or logical layout of a network.

• Trunk Port
  

   Switch port that carries traffic for multiple VLANs.

• TX/RX Rate
  

    Transmission/Reception speed between AP and device.

• Throughput
  

   Actual data rate experienced by users.

• Traffic Shaping
  

    Controls bandwidth and prioritizes certain types of data.

U

• Ubiquiti UniFi

A cloud-managed wireless system by Ubiquiti.

• UDP Broadcast Forwarding

Required for services like Sonos and Chromecast.

• Uplink

Connection from a device to the core network (e.g., switch to router).

• User Group

In UniFi, used to apply bandwidth limits or firewall rules.

• Uplink Capacity

Maximum bandwidth of the connection from AP to switch/router.

• UniFi Protect

Ubiquiti’s video surveillance platform that integrates with UniFi WiFi.

• User Isolation

Blocks communication between wireless clients on same SSID/VLAN.

V

• VLAN (Virtual LAN)
  

    Separates network traffic for organization/security.

• VLAN Hopping
  

    Power output in watts per channel, typically between 10W to 100W depending on the model.

• VPN (Virtual Private Network)
  

   Encrypted tunnel for remote access or site-to-site connections.

• VHT (Very High Throughput)
  

    Part of 802.11ac (WiFi 5) protocol for higher performance.

• Virtual SSID
  

    Multiple SSIDs on a single physical radio, tied to separate VLANs.

W

• Walled Garden
  

    Guest WiFi feature that restricts access to only specific sites.

• WAN(Wide Area Network)
  

    A large network connecting smaller networks over long distances. ​

• WDS (Wireless Distribution System)
  

    Connects APs wirelessly without a wired backbone.

• WEP/WPA/WPA2/WPA3
  

    Security protocols for WiFi encryption.

• WiFi
  

Wireless internet using radio waves—no cables needed.

• WiFi Analyzer
  

   Tool to inspect channels, signal strength, and interference.

• WiFi HaLow
  

   Low-power long-range standard for IoT (802.11ah).

• WiFi 6 / 6E
  

    Latest WiFi standards (802.11ax) offering better efficiency and speed.

• WLAN Group
  

    Set of SSIDs and settings applied to APs (Omada/UniFi feature).

• WISP Mode
  

  Wireless Internet Service Provider mode for AP-to-AP bridging.

• WPA3
  

  The newest, most secure WiFi encryption standard. ​

• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
  

    The latest Wi-Fi standard offering up to 46 Gbps speeds, ultra-low latency, and multi-link operation (MLO). It’s designed for 8K streaming, AR/VR, cloud gaming, and mission-critical enterprise deployments. Wi-Fi 7 uses wider 320 MHz channels in the 6GHz band and introduces 4K-QAM for denser data packing.​

X

• X.509 Certificate
  

    Used in enterprise wireless authentication and VPNs.

• XG (10-Gigabit Ethernet)
  

    Used in high-speed core switching (e.g., UniFi XG Switch).

Y

• Yield (Network)

    Percentage of successfully transmitted packets.

• Yagi Antenna
  

    Directional antenna useful for long-distance outdoor links.

Z

• Zero-Touch Provisioning
  

   Device auto-configures on first boot via cloud/controller.

• Zone-Based Firewall
  

    Assigns security policies based on network zones (VLANs).

• Zigbee
  

   Wireless protocol used in smart home automation, sometimes coexists with WiFi.

• Zero Wait DFS
  

  APs that operate on DFS channels without downtime (Ruckus supports this in some models).

8

• 802.11ac (WiFi 5)
  

 Previous-generation WiFi standard, still widely used.

• 802.11ax (WiFi 6)
  

 Current WiFi standard offering faster speeds, better capacity, and lower latency.

• 802.11axE (WiFi 6E)
  

  Extends WiFi 6 into the 6GHz band for reduced interference.

• 802.11r
  

  Fast roaming standard supported in enterprise systems like UniFi, Omada, and Ruckus.