2.3 Wireless Networking Standards and RFID Technology

These flashcards cover key vocabularies from the lecture on wireless networking standards and RFID technology.

IEEE 802.11

The set of standards for wireless networks developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

WiFi

A trademark term used to refer to the IEEE 802.11 standards for wireless networking.

802.11a

A wireless standard released in 1999, operating at 54 Mbps in the 5 GHz frequency range.

802.11b

A wireless standard that operates at 11 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz frequency range.

802.11g

An upgrade to 802.11b, operating at 54 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz frequency range.

MIMO

Multiple Input Multiple Output; a technology allowing simultaneous data transmission using multiple antennas.

802.11n

A wireless standard that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, with a maximum throughput of 600 Mbps.

WiFi 4

Also known as 802.11n, the fourth generation of WiFi standards.

802.11ac

A standard that exclusively operates at 5 GHz, supporting up to 6.9 Gbps and multi-user MIMO.

WiFi 5

Also known as 802.11ac, the fifth generation of WiFi standards.

802.11ax

The latest WiFi standard also known as WiFi 6, capable of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operations.

OFDMA

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access; a method to improve efficiency in wireless networks.

Signal Modulation

The process utilized to encode information onto a carrier wave for transmission.

Channel Width

The frequency range that a communication channel occupies; larger widths allow for more data transfer.

Directional Antenna

An antenna designed to focus its signal in a particular direction for long-range communication.

RFID

Radio Frequency Identification; technology used to identify and track objects using radio waves.

NFC

Near Field Communication; a technology allowing two devices to communicate over a short distance.

Interoperability

The capacity of different systems or devices to work together without special effort.

Throughput

The amount of data successfully transmitted over a network in a specific timeframe.

Access Point

A device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.

5 GHz Band

A frequency band used by some Wi-Fi standards for higher speed connections.

2.4 GHz Band

A frequency band commonly used by wireless devices that offers greater range but less speed.

Bluetooth

A short-range wireless technology used to connect devices.

License-free frequencies

Radio frequencies that can be used without a specific license, often associated with consumer electronics.

Fixed wireless network

A type of wireless network that connects two fixed locations using antennas.

Access badge

A card containing RFID that grants access when brought near a sensor.

Active RFID

RFID tags that have their own power source and can transmit signals actively.

Passive RFID

RFID tags that do not have a battery and rely on signals to power them for communication.

Multi-user MIMO

An advanced form of MIMO that allows multiple users to communicate simultaneously.

Safety regulations for antennas

Rules and standards ensuring safe installation and operation of wireless antennas.