WAN (Wide Area Network) A
network which covers a larger geographical area than a LAN and
where telecommunications links are implemented, normally leased
from the appropriate PTO(s). Examples of WANs include packet switched
networks, public data networks and Value Added Networks.
Wiring closet Location,
usually a physical box in which the cabling on a particular floor
is terminated, typically in a wiring frame.
Wiring frame Frame
used to organize and manage the termination and connection of
multiple cables.
Windowing Generic
method of displaying data on screen, mimicking looking at several
pieces of paper at once. Each window can be resized, moved and
otherwise manipulated. It lies at the heart of making multiuser
systems user-friendly and points the way for presetting tomorrow's
applications.
Windows The now ubiquitous
Microsoft standalone operating system with integral graphical
user interface, running on top of MS Dos. Version 4.0 is imminent.
Windows for Workgroups (WFWG) A
Microsoft operating system running on each PC that allows between
two and 20 users to share information such as files and e-mail
by clicking on icons. There is no server as such, but WFWG is
compatible with NetWare and LAN Manager.
Windows NT (New Technology) Microsoft's
scalable 32-bit version of Windows aimed at high-end workstation
"power" users. It is a standalone operating system that
is also a "network ready" system capable of being a
small application server for a workgroup of Windows based PCs.
Windows NT Advanced Server (NTAS) An
extension of Microsoft's Windows NT and incorporating all its
features, NTAS is a server operating system offering centralized
management and security, fault tolerance and multiple connectivity
options. Geared to client/server computing on practically any
network, not least NetWare and Vines as well as LAN Manager.
WOSA (Windows Open Service Architecture) A
framework of open-ended interfaces allowing Microsoft Windows
and applications running under it to integrate with enterprise
computing environments. It includes APIs for messaging (MAPI),
standard access to databases (ODBC) and extensions to financial
services.
Workflow automation The
flow of documents around an organization in a prescribed order
(workflow) can be automated, delivering an hierarchical and controlled
form of workgroup computing. Workgroup computing - Method of organizing
a business around productive teams using computer support to enable
cooperative working and to eliminate time/space restrictions.
An extension of conventional LAN working.
Workstation Term used
freely to mean a PC, node, terminal or high-end desktop processor
(for CAD/CAM and similar intensive applications) - in short, a
device that has data input and output and operated by a user.
Wrap Redundancy measure
in IBM token ring LANs. Trunk cabling used in token ring TCUs
contains two data paths: a main and back-up (normally unused).
If the trunk cable is faulty, the physical disconnection of the
connector at a TCU causes the signal from the main path to wrap
onto the back-up and maintain the loop.
