Apple AirPort Networks User Manual

10Base-T   The most common cabling method for Ethernet. 10Base-T conforms to IEEE 
standard 802.3. It was developed to enable data communications over unshielded 
twisted pair (telephone) wiring at speeds of up to 10 megabits per second (Mbps) up to 
distances of approximately 330 feet on a network segment.

10/100Base-T  A networking standard that supports data transfer rates up to 100 Mbps. 
Because it is 10 times faster than Ethernet, it is often referred to as Fast Ethernet. 

10/100/1000Base-T   A term describing various technologies for transmitting Ethernet 
packets at a rate of a gigabit per second. Sometimes referred to as Gigabit Ethernet. In 
2000, Apple’s Power Mac G4 and PowerBook G4 were the first mass-produced personal 
computers featuring the 10/100/1000Base-T connection. It quickly became a built-in 
feature in many other computers.

802.11a   An IEEE standard for a wireless network that operates at 5 GHz with rates 
up to 54 Mbps.

802.11b   An IEEE standard for a wireless network that operates at 2.4 GHz with rates 
up to 11 Mbps.

802.11g   An IEEE standard for a wireless network that operates at 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi with 
rates up to 54 Mbps.

802.11n   A task group of the IEEE 802.11 committee whose goal is to define a standard 
for high throughput speeds of at least 100 Mbps on wireless networks. Some proposals 
being fielded by the task group include designs for up to 540 Mbps, Multiple-input 
multiple-output (MIMO) technology, using multiple receivers and multiple transmitters 
in both the client and access point to achieve improved performance, is expected to 
form the basis of the final specification. See Mbps, MIMO.

access point   Also known as a wireless access point (WAP), a device that connects 
wireless devices together to form a network.

authentication   The process that occurs after association to verify the identity of the 
wireless device or end user and allow access to the network. See WPA, WPA2.