| Term | Description |
| Access point | The device that relays the radio waves when creating a wireless LAN network. In some cases, it also indicates where the wireless LAN can connect to the Internet. |
| Ad hoc mode | One of the methods for making connections in a wireless LAN. Without going through an access point, the devices involved communicate directly with each other. It is also called peer-to-peer communication. |
| Default gateway | When connecting from a network to an external network (such as the Internet), this device serves as the point of entry/exit among similar networks. |
| DHCP Server | A server that automatically assigns IP addresses. DHCP is an abbreviation for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. |
| Encryption key | The key used to encrypt data when communicating with an access point. |
| Encryption method | A means of encrypting Wi-Fi communications. In order of highest encryption strength, there are: WPA2-PSK (AES) / WPA-PSK (AES), WPA2-PSK (TKIP) / WPA-PSK (TKIP), and WEP. |
| Firewall | A security system for protecting the network from external threats, such as computer viruses or unauthorized access. Set either in the router for the wireless LAN or in the computer's operating system. |
| Infrastructure mode | One of the methods for making connections in a wireless LAN. The devices involved connect through an access point. |
| IP address | The address used to recognize devices on a network. |
| LAN | A network in a home or office that connects computers and communication devices. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. |
| MAC address | A dedicated address assigned in advance to a device on a network. Also called the device's physical address. |
| PIN code | An authentication password used to identify a device. PIN is an abbreviation for Personal Identification Number. |
| Primary DNS server Secondary DNS server | A server that converts computer domain names into IP addresses. DNS is an abbreviation for Domain Name System. |
| SSID / ESSID | A string of alphanumeric characters used to indicate a specific access point. Also called the access point name or the network name. |
| Stealth function | A function in which the SSID for the wireless router (access point) is not broadcast for other devices to detect. Used to prevent connections to the network from unauthorized devices. |
| Subnet mask | This value is used to request the network address from the IP address when distinguishing between the network address and host address for the IP address. |
| Wi-Fi | The name of a method for connecting devices on a wireless LAN that has been certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi is an abbreviation for Wireless Fidelity. |
