CWNE study materials
CWNE study resources

CWNE key terms

CWNE · 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.

Passive survey

An authorized observation method listening to relevant WLAN transmissions under its stated scope, without itself proving successful client authentication or application use.

Spectrum observation

A measurement of relevant RF energy behavior that can support interference hypotheses, distinct from automatic decoding or identification of every transmitting device.

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.

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

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.

Related: Role-Based Access Control, Separation of Duties
Separation of Duties

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.

Related: Least Privilege, Role-Based Access Control
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

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.

Related: Least Privilege, Separation of Duties
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

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.

Related: Authentication, Single Sign-On
Authentication

The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system, typically through credentials such as passwords, tokens, or biometrics.

Related: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Authorization
Authorization

The process of determining what actions or resources an authenticated entity is permitted to access, often enforced through access control policies.

Related: Authentication, Least Privilege
Single Sign-On (SSO)

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.

Related: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Authentication
Encryption

The process of converting plaintext into ciphertext using an algorithm and a key, so that only authorized parties can read the original information.

Related: Symmetric Encryption, Asymmetric Encryption, Hash Function
Symmetric Encryption

An encryption method that uses the same secret key for both encryption and decryption, offering speed but requiring secure key distribution.

Related: Asymmetric Encryption, Encryption
Asymmetric 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.

Related: Symmetric Encryption, Encryption
Hash Function

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.

Related: Encryption, Digital Signature
Digital Signature

An electronic signature that uses asymmetric cryptography to verify the authenticity and integrity of a message or document.

Related: Hash Function, Asymmetric Encryption
Access control

The policies and mechanisms that determine who can access which systems, data, or facilities and under what conditions.

Related: Authentication, Least privilege, Segregation of duties
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

A system that collects, aggregates, and analyzes log data from various sources to detect security incidents and support compliance reporting.

Related: Log Management, Incident Response
Incident Response

A structured approach to handling security incidents, typically including preparation, detection, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned.

Related: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Business Continuity Plan
Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

A document that outlines how an organization will continue critical operations during and after a disruption, including strategies for recovery and restoration.

Related: Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), Incident Response
Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)

A plan focused on restoring IT infrastructure and operations after a disaster, including backup restoration and recovery time objectives.

Related: Business Continuity Plan (BCP), Backup
Backup

The process of copying data to a secondary location or medium to enable recovery in case of data loss or corruption.

Related: Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), Business Continuity Plan (BCP)