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The following definitions may help with your search in our Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products database.

Core Technology

Reference Design - A product or system design that contains essential elements such as hardware, software and firmware, or the specification for essential elements. It is generally created by one company and made available or sold to other companies to be used as-is or with enhancements or modifications.

Networking Equipment

Access Point/Router

Access Point or Wireless Router for Home or Small Office - a device that attaches to a broadband (DSL or cable) modem (usually provided by a broadband service provider) and enables access to a network, such as the Internet, from Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Access points allow Wi-Fi enabled devices access to a single network, while wireless routers allow access to multiple networks and typically incorporate access point and other functionality.

Enterprise Access Point, Switch/Controller, Gateway or Router - a device that distributes a Wi-Fi signal and is designed with security and management features that make it suitable for use in a large corporate or campus network. Access points allow wireless clients access to a single network. A switch transfers data packets, using IP addresses, from one device to another, and many incorporate router functionality. Wireless routers allow access to multiple networks and typically incorporate access point and other functionality.

Mobile AP - A Wi-Fi device with access point (AP) functionality powered by an internal battery.

Gateway

Cable, DSL, or Other Broadband Gateway - for home or small offices, this device is also known as an Integrated Home Access Device, and is usually provided by a broadband service provider. It eliminates the need for a separate access point or router by combining the functionality of a broadband modem with the ability to distribute a Wi-Fi signal.

Consumer Electronics

Cameras

Digital Still Camera - a camera which takes primarily still photographs. It may also include the capability to take short video clips.

Portable Video Camera - a device which is designed primarily to take moving videos, though it may also have the ability to capture still images.

Networked Web Camera - these cameras are stationary and provide video images. They are primarily used for home surveillance and security.

Audio Devices

Digital Audio - Stationary - this category includes all audio devices designed to be stationary, such as audio tuners/receivers, speakers, and digital music players.

Digital Audio - Portable - small devices designed primarily to play music or audio content on the go. Some of these devices are also able to play video files.

Video Devices

Set-Top Box, Media Extender (includes players & recorders), Media Server - devices that connect to a display device to deliver video content from recorded media, cable, satellite or other media sources. This includes DVRs and DVD players.

Display Device (eg. television, monitor, picture frame) - any device designed primarily to display video or still digital content. Includes slide/video projectors and networked digital photo frames.

Gaming Devices

Game Console or Game Console Adapter - a stationary dedicated device designed to play video games. Usually the output device is a separate television or a computer monitor. This category includes external Wi-Fi adapters that convert a wired game console into a Wi-Fi enabled one.

Gaming Device - Portable - a handheld device designed to play video games on the go.

Storage and Servers

Media Server or Media Adapter - a device designed to deliver media content (music, photographs, video) to a display device via Wi-Fi.

Network Storage Device - a storage device (hard drive) attached to a Wi-Fi network for storage and sharing of files. Sometimes called Network Attached Storage.

PCs and Computing Devices

Adapter Cards

External Wi-Fi Card - a device which can be inserted into an external slot/connector (USB, PCMCIA, CardBus, ExpressCard) on a notebook or desktop computer to add Wi-Fi capability.

Internal Wi-Fi Card - a card which is shipped inside a device (such as a notebook, desktop, PDA, or cellular phone) or a device which can be inserted into an internal slot/connector (MiniPCI, PCI, PCI Express) to provide Wi-Fi capability.

Computers and PDAs

Ultra-Mobile PC - a computing device that provides full PC capabilities and Internet connectivity on the go, but which is smaller than a notebook computer (has a 7-inch or smaller screen) and relies on a tablet-like interface. UMPCs support audio, video, and gaming functionality are expected to become increasingly affordable compared with standard notebook computers.

Notebook Computer - a computing device designed for portability. Notebook computers, sometimes called laptop computers, have all of the typical functionality found in the typical desktop computer, but in a smaller form factor which can be carried easily in a briefcase. Full-sized tablet PCs are included in this category.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) - a small portable device designed to manage contacts, calendaring, and other personal organizer functions. A Wi-Fi enabled PDA can use Wi-Fi to synch with desktop applications such as Microsoft Outlook®. If a PDA includes voice capability over Wi-Fi or cellular, it is considered a smartphone (see below).

Printers

Printer or Print Server - a Wi-Fi enabled device which prints documents or photos from a camera, PC, or other source and may also have scanner and/or fax capability. This category also includes devices which convert a wired printer to a Wi-Fi enabled printer.

Voice-Capable Devices

Phones

Phone - Dual-Mode - a basic mobile phone handset that can carry voice applications over cellular or Wi-Fi radios. These phones provide a numeric keypad only.

Phone - Single-Mode - a basic mobile phone handset that does not include a cellular connection, but handles voice applications (VoIP) over Wi-Fi only. This category also includes Wi-Fi cordless phones for home use. These phones provide a numeric keypad only.

Smartphone - Dual-Mode - a mobile phone handset that can carry voice and data applications via cellular or Wi-Fi connections, and which includes robust data capability to manage calendar, contact, email, and Web browsing applications. A smart phone typically includes a full QWERTY keyboard. Note that some smartphones use Wi-Fi connection to transmit data only (not voice).

Smartphone - Single-Mode - a mobile phone handset that can carry voice and data connections via Wi-Fi connections, and which includes robust data capability to manage calendar, contact, email, and Web browsing applications. A smartphone typically includes a full QWERTY keyboard. Single-mode smartphones are usually deployed in specific business environments (hospital, factory, warehousing, etc.) and may also provide capability to manage enterprise-specific applications for inventory, accounting, etc.