 vidual communications channels. Walsh Code is used in DSSS systems such as CDMA as well as in FHSS systems. WAN (wide area network) A group of computer networks connected over long distances, often by telephone lines and satellite transmission. WAP (wireless access point) A device that connects wireless communication devices to form a wireless network. A WAP usually connects to a wired network and can relay data between wireless devices and wired devices. WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) A protocol for transforming Internet information so that it can be displayed on the small screen of a mobile telephone or other portable device. war dialing A method hackers use to locate nonsecure computers by dialing through phone numbers. war driver An individual who drives through an area, scanning for wireless networks (using programs such as NetStumbler), and publishing his or her findings on the Web. WARC (World Radiocommunications Conference) A regular meeting of global authori- ties to decide on spectrum allocation. Originally called the World Administrative Radio Conference. waveform A curve that shows the shape of a wave at any given time. waveguide A transmission path in which a system of boundaries guides electromagnetic energy. The most common of these are hollow metallic conducting tubes (microwave communi- cations) or rods of dielectric material. wavelength The distance between two consecutive maxima or minima of a waveform. wavelength changer A device that converts an optical signal to an electronic signal and then sends the signal to a laser that produces an optical signal at a different wavelength than the original. wavelength division switching Switching in which input information is used to modulate a light source that has a unique wavelength for each input. All the optical energy is combined and then split, so it can be distributed to all the output channels. W-CDMA (Wideband CDMA) A multiple-access technique that operates over allocations of either 5MHz, 10MHz, or 15MHz. W-CDMA can support higher data r