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The Ricochet Wireless Network Overview <br />Page 4 of 5 <br />Name Server <br />A sophisticated database that serves as the gatekeeper to the <br />Ricochet Network (MCDN), monitoring all Microcell Radios and <br />Modem Radios accessing the network and ensuring that they <br />re authorized for specific areas of access. The Name Server <br />akes requests to find radios by name and returns the <br />estination network address needed to route packets to them. <br />NIF* <br />The Network Interconnection Facility connects the Ricochet <br />fired network to other major networks, including the Internet, a <br />variety of corporate and university LANS and major online <br />services such as AOL and CompuServe. It also provides control <br />nd maintenance for the metropolitan Wide Area Network <br />WAN). <br />Packet -switching <br />A data transmission technique whereby user information is <br />segmented and routed in discrete data envelopes called <br />"packets," each with its own control information for routing, <br />sequencing, and error checking. Packet switching allows a <br />communications channel to be shard by multiple users, each <br />sing the circuit only for the time required to transmit a single <br />packet. <br />Radio Frequency describes the number of time per second a <br />JrF <br />radio wave vibrates 900MHz . <br />Router <br />This device connects two or more local area networks or <br />network segments. Routers provide remote access and improve <br />overall network performance by identifying the destination of a <br />packet of information and sends the information along. If the <br />information is being sent to a modem off -campus and in the <br />Ricochet "cloud," it forwards information through the CSU/DSU. <br />Otherwise, it sends the information to a collection of Ethernet <br />adios through the hub and EPDU. <br />MA* <br />relephone Modem Access is a feature offered in the Preferred <br />and Elite option service packages that allows a Ricochet <br />odem to dial any other phone -line modem and connect to it as <br />standard wired modem does. <br />AP* <br />Wired Access Point is comprised of a set of components <br />sed to move RF packets across the Ricochet network to the IP <br />fired backbone. These components include a router, Channel <br />and Data Service Units (CSU/DSU), a hub. an Ethernet Power <br />Distribution Unit (EPDU) and Ethernet radios. For more details <br />bout these components, refer to the Ricochet Gateway <br />Overview. <br />APs first convert data packets into protocol that can be sent <br />irelessly from one microcell radio to another; then route the <br />ackets to other WAPs or NIFs, ensuring that the data reaches <br />is location. 11 <br />* Indicates Metricom terminology <br />http://www.ricochet.nettnetoverview.html 8131/98 <br />