Glossary - Wi-Fi at RWTH Aachen
CAT
The eduroam Configuration Assistant Tool (CAT) was developed to help organizations provide their users with simplified access to eduroam.
It can be used to create customized installation profiles for various common computer and smartphone platforms and make them available for download.
This aims to simplify the connection process and improve security for end users.
Eduroam Devicemanager
The eduroam Devicemanager is a web interface provided by RWTH that enables the creation and management of user data for connecting to the RWTH Wi-Fi networks.
Enterprise-Authentication
Enterprise authentication, also known as IEEE 802.1X, is a network authentication and authorization standard based on the IEEE 802 networking protocol.
It makes it possible to authenticate users or devices at the network access point, be it via a physical port in the LAN, a logical VLAN or a Wi-Fi.
The authentication process is carried out by an authenticator, which compares the information sent by a subscriber (also known as a “supplicant”) with that of an authentication server (RADIUS server).
Depending on the outcome this check, access to the services offered, such as LAN, VLAN or Wi-Fi, is granted or denied.
Firewall
A firewall is a combination of hardware and software which monitors and controls data traffic between an internal network and external networks.
It checks all data leaving or trying to enter the network.
Firewalls are used to protect RWTH's networks from unauthorized access and threats.
IoT-Device
Internet of Things (IoT) devices are networked devices that can capture, collect, store and process data and transmit information to other devices and systems.
Unlike traditional devices, they are usually wirelessly connected to the internet.
Most IoT devices use sensors, software and other technologies to collect data about themselves or their environment.
IPv4
IPv4, also known simply as IP, is the fourth version of the Internet Protocol. The first widely used version of the Internet Protocol, it forms an important technical basis for the internet and data transmission in networks.
This 32-bit protocol enables devices to communicate online and on local networks. It also allows data packets to be routed to their intended destination.
IPv6
IPv6 is the latest version of the "Internet Protocol" and therefore the current standard for identifying devices on the internet and in local networks.
It was developed to overcome the limited address space of its predecessor, IPv4, and to better meet modern internet requirements.
A key feature of IPv6 is its 128-bit address length, as opposed IPv4's 32-bit lenght. This longer address length enables an almost unlimited number of unique IP addresses.
NAT
Network Address Translation (NAT) is the process by which the address of data packets is changed in computer networks.
This occurs when data is transferred between different networks. NAT enables multiple devices to share a single public IP address while maintaining their own private IP addresses.
Typically, the router in the network performs this task and establishes the connection to the internet. The router therefore often acts as the standard gateway for the connected devices.
NAP
A network contact person (NAP - Netzansprechpartner) is a person who is registered as the contact person for a specific network or domain at RWTH.
They have the right to report faults in the data network and request changes, such as adjustments to the firewall or DNS entries.
The NAP can also appoint other contact persons and manage their entries.
Networks and domains are assigned via the NOC portal, where network contacts are assigned to a specific group.
PSK
A pre-shared key (PSK) and refers to a method of authentication used in networks, partivularly Wi-Fi or VPNs.
A PSK is a secret key that is shared in advance between the communication partners before a secure connection is established.
SSID
The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name given to a Wi-Fi network when the router is set up.
The following are the names of the RWTH Wi-Fi networks that can be selected via the Wi-Fi search on end devices. For RWTH, these are the names:
VLAN
A virtual local area network (VLAN) is a logical sub-network within a switch or an entire physical network. It can extend over several switches.
A VLANs ensure that physical networks are divided into smaller sub-networks by preventing VLAN-capable switches from forwarding data packets to other VLANs.
This enables communication within the same VLAN while keeping data traffic between different VLANs remains separate.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) is a wirelss networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed internet access.