W

WAN (wide area network)

A data communications network that serves users across a broad geographical area. WANs often use transmission devices such as modems or CSUs/DSUs to carry signals over leased lines or over common carrier lines.

WAP (wireless access point)

A network device that offers connectivity between wireless clients and (usually) a wired portion of the network.

Web server

A server that runs an application and makes the contents of certain directories on that server, or other servers, available to clients for download via a protocol such as HTTP.

WiFi

A voluntary standard that manufacturers can adhere to, which aims to create compatibility between wireless (802.11b) devices.

window flow control

A flow control method in which the receiving host buffers the data it receives and holds it in the buffer until it can be processed. After the data is processed, an acknowledgment is sent to the sender.

See also [dynamic window]

See also [static window]

Windows NT Diagnostics

A troubleshooting tool that is provided in Windows NT and Windows 2000 that helps you diagnose hardware and driver problems. It provides a graphical database of system devices and resources that is similar to the Device Manager in Windows 95 and 98.

WINS (Windows Internet Name Service)

A NetBIOS name-to-IP address resolution program that is available in the Windows NT and Windows 2000 operating systems.

WINS database

A dynamically built database of NetBIOS names and IP addresses that is used by WINS

wire crimper

A tool that is used to create networking cables. The type of wire crimping tool used depends on the cable being made.

wireless networking

Networking that uses any unbound media, such as infrared, microwave, or radio waves.

workstation

A client computer on a network that does not offer any services of its own but uses the services of the servers on the network.