A device used with broadband Internet service provided by a traditional cable TV service. Cable modems convert analog data from the cable TV system into a digital format that can be used by a computer. (See broadband modem).
Glossary
Cable modem
Channel
One portion of the available radio spectrum that all devices on a wireless network use to communicate. Changing the channel on the access point/router can help reduce interference.
Client
Any computer connected to a network that requests files and services (files, print capability) from the server or other devices on the network. The term also refers to end users. (See AP).
Client devices
Wi-Fi client devices include PC Cards that slide into laptop computers, mini-PCI modules embedded in laptop computers and mobile computing devices, as well as USB radios and PCI/ISA bus Wi-Fi radios. Client devices usually communicate with hub devices like access points and gateways. (See AP, client).
Collision avoidance
A means of proactively detecting whether a node on an Ethernet network can transmit a signal without risk that it will collide with other traffic on the network. (See CSMA/CA, CSMA/CD).
Crossover cable
A twisted-pair cable used to network two computers without use of a hub. Instead of traveling in direct parallel paths between plugs, the signals crossover, reversing the sending and receiving wire pairs on each end. Crossover cables may be required to connect a cable or DSL modem to a wireless router or access point.
CSMA/CA
Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance. The principal media access control strategy used in 802.11 networks to avoid data collisions. It is a listen before talk method of minimizing collisions. The network node checks to see if the transmission channel is clear before a data packet is sent. (See collision avoidance, CSMA/CD).
CSMA/CD
Customer Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection. The principal media access control strategy used to manage traffic and reduce noise on wired Ethernet networks. It allows a network device to transmit data after detecting a channel is available. If two devices transmit data simultaneously, the sending device detects the collision of data packets and retransmits after a random time delay. (See collision avoidance, CSMA/CA).
Cellular Convergence
Cellular convergence. The convergence of conventional cellular technology and Wi-Fi technology. Converged phones can switch between conventional cellular and Wi-Fi voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) modes, even during the course of a conversation, to allow uninterrupted calls when moving between outdoor and indoor environments. (See Wi-Fi/mobile convergence.)