CWISA key terms
CWISA · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
- dBm
A logarithmic absolute-power measure referenced to one milliwatt, distinct from a unitless dB ratio or antenna gain relative to an isotropic reference.
- Link budget
A stated model combining transmit, gain, loss and receiver assumptions to evaluate a communication path, requiring real environmental and regulatory validation.
- Capacity requirement
A measurable demand and concurrent-user/application condition that a wireless design must support, distinct from received-signal coverage alone.
- Fast BSS transition
A supported802.11r-related method reducing relevant security-transition work, whose actual interruption and compatibility depend on client and deployment conditions.
- Forwarding architecture
The actual local, tunneled or other supported path carrying client data, which cannot be inferred solely from where the management interface resides.
- SAE
A password-authenticated key-establishment mechanism associated with WPA3-Personal, distinct from eliminating every later session-key handshake or implementation risk.
- Protected management frames
Protection for relevant robust802.11 management frames under supported association/security conditions, not a guarantee against every radio or control-frame disruption.
- Thread border router
A supported role routing between the Thread mesh and other IP networks, distinct from translating every application protocol or guaranteeing redundant exit paths.
- LoRaWAN device class
A protocol-defined receive-window/energy behavior choice whose suitability depends on actual latency and power requirements rather than one universal sensor setting.
- Measurement contract
The agreed device identity, time, units, schema and delivery behavior required for an application observation, distinct from merely accepting a network join.
- Idempotent handling
Processing arranged so an appropriate repeated event does not duplicate consequential effects, according to the actual operation and supported state model.
- Monitor-mode coverage
The actual802.11 traffic visible to a compatible adapter on its selected band/channel and placement, not simultaneous proof of every network event.
- Least Privilege
- Related: Role-Based Access Control, Separation of Duties
The principle that users and systems should be granted only the minimum access rights necessary to perform their tasks, reducing the potential damage from accidents or malicious activity.
- Separation of Duties
- Related: Least Privilege, Role-Based Access Control
A control that divides critical tasks among different individuals so that no single person can complete a sensitive action alone, helping to prevent fraud and errors.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Related: Least Privilege, Separation of Duties
An access control model where permissions are assigned to roles rather than individual users, and users are assigned to roles based on their job responsibilities.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Related: Authentication, Single Sign-On
An authentication method that requires two or more independent credentials from different categories (something you know, have, or are) to verify a user's identity.
- Authentication
- Related: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Authorization
The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system, typically through credentials such as passwords, tokens, or biometrics.
- Authorization
- Related: Authentication, Least Privilege
The process of determining what actions or resources an authenticated entity is permitted to access, often enforced through access control policies.
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Related: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Authentication
A mechanism that allows a user to log in once and access multiple applications or systems without re-entering credentials, improving usability and centralizing access control.
- Encryption
- Related: Symmetric Encryption, Asymmetric Encryption, Hash Function
The process of converting plaintext into ciphertext using an algorithm and a key, so that only authorized parties can read the original information.
- Symmetric Encryption
- Related: Asymmetric Encryption, Encryption
An encryption method that uses the same secret key for both encryption and decryption, offering speed but requiring secure key distribution.
- Asymmetric Encryption
- Related: Symmetric Encryption, Encryption
Encryption using a suitable public-key scheme and a corresponding private key for decryption. Authenticated key distribution and the specified padding/protocol remain essential; signatures and key agreement are distinct constructions.
- Hash Function
- Related: Encryption, Digital Signature
A digest construction mapping input to an output under its defined algorithm, with cryptographic versions designed for appropriate resistance properties. Password storage needs a suitable salted password-hashing/KDF scheme rather than a bare fast digest.
- Digital Signature
- Related: Hash Function, Asymmetric Encryption
An electronic signature that uses asymmetric cryptography to verify the authenticity and integrity of a message or document.
- Access control
- Related: Authentication, Least privilege, Segregation of duties
The policies and mechanisms that determine who can access which systems, data, or facilities and under what conditions.
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Related: Log Management, Incident Response
A system that collects, aggregates, and analyzes log data from various sources to detect security incidents and support compliance reporting.
- Incident Response
- Related: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Business Continuity Plan
A structured approach to handling security incidents, typically including preparation, detection, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned.
- Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
- Related: Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), Incident Response
A document that outlines how an organization will continue critical operations during and after a disruption, including strategies for recovery and restoration.
- Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)
- Related: Business Continuity Plan (BCP), Backup
A plan focused on restoring IT infrastructure and operations after a disaster, including backup restoration and recovery time objectives.
- Backup
- Related: Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
The process of copying data to a secondary location or medium to enable recovery in case of data loss or corruption.