Vocabulary
Definitions
2.4 GHz Band
- A lower Wi‑Fi frequency band that travels farther and passes through walls better, but is slower and more crowded.
5 GHz Band
- A higher Wi‑Fi frequency band that carries more data and is faster, but has shorter range and struggles through walls.
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
- Changing the height (amplitude) of a radio wave to encode information. Used in some radio broadcasting and older communication systems.
Bluetooth
- A short‑range wireless technology used for personal devices such as headphones, controllers, and watches. Designed for close‑distance, low‑power communication.
Cellular Network
- A wide‑area wireless network that uses cell towers to provide mobile communication over long distances.
Coaxial Cable
- A thick, shielded cable used to carry radio‑frequency signals over long distances with low interference. Commonly used for cable internet and TV.
Electromagnetic Wave
- A wave that can travel through empty space. Includes radio, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X‑rays, and gamma rays.
Ethernet Cable
- A wired networking cable used to connect devices directly to a router, switch, or modem. Provides fast, stable, low‑latency connections.
Frequency Modulation (FM)
- Changing the speed (frequency) of a radio wave to encode information. More resistant to noise than AM.
High Frequency
- Higher frequencies can carry more information but travel shorter distances and are more easily blocked.
Low Frequency
- Lower frequencies carry less information but travel farther, bend around obstacles more easily, and penetrate buildings and terrain better.
Modem
- A device that connects your home network to your internet service provider and converts their signal into digital data for a router.
Network Switch
- A device that expands the number of Ethernet ports available on a network and forwards data only to the device that needs it.
Phase Shift Keying (PSK)
- A modulation method that changes the phase of a wave to encode digital data. Used in Wi‑Fi and many modern communication systems.
Powerline Adapter
- A pair of devices that use a building’s electrical wiring to carry network data when Wi‑Fi is weak or Ethernet is impractical.
Radio Spectrum
- The full range of radio frequencies used for communication, from extremely low to extremely high frequency bands.
Router
- A device that directs traffic between devices on a local network and connects that network to the internet.
Satellite Network
- A global‑coverage wireless system that uses orbiting satellites to send signals where towers cannot reach.
Wi‑Fi
- A wireless networking technology that connects devices to a local network and the internet within a building.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
- A network that connects devices wirelessly within a limited area such as a home, school, or office.
WPA / WPA2 / WPA3
- Security protocols that protect Wi‑Fi networks. WPA3 is the newest and most secure.