Built around

Question

Hi Guys.    I've found no definition for built  around.And I need to confess, that I cannot parse it so that to feel myself comfortable with it.Here is short article.Abbreviated as BSS, Basic Service Set is a component of the IEEE 802.11  WLAN architecture. This network architecture is built arounda Basic Service Set (BSS), which is actually a set of  STAs (the component that connects to the wireless medium such as a network  adapter or NIC) that communicate with each other. When one access points  is  connected to wired network and a set of wireless stations it is referred to as  a Basic Service Set (BSS).http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/Basic_Service_Set.htmlI am suggesting that this is the same as based on.Right?Thank you.

Dimsumexpress · Accepted Answer

Hi,

EvgeniiThis network architecture is built around a Basic Service Set (BSS

This is my opinion. I suppose that you realized this is a passive construct. "Built around" by itself is a past particple adjective which describes an architecture of some kind is engineered/ built following the perimeter of either a concept of an actual locality. i.e. A master planned community will be built around the lake if the city approves it. In this context, "based on" just doesn't quite cut it. Though "it generally gets the message delivered.

Gabi · Answer

that is correct. and it is an expression, do not take it word by word.

Gabi · Answer

i've made a mistake:D

Ed_shaw · Answer

When one access points is connected to wired network and a set of wireless stations it is referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS).

For consistency's sake, the the manual should probably read "When one set of access points is connected to a wired network....etc."
Either that or, "When one access point

is connected to a wired network...etc."

What does it mean when the "architecture is built around" a BSS? It means, simply, the system has been designed with connection to the various points of the system as one of its fundamental intents.

In your field, you will probably never completely escape the use of, or misuse of, that word "architecture." For many years, the word "architecture" referred to the art of designing structures: buildings, ships, gardens, etc. In computer science, architecture has come to mean the manner in which networks are put together. How the user is expected to make that jump, from the "art of designing" to the "manner of configuring" is beyond me. But, that is the leap we are being asked to make.
It is understood that the computer business has grown rapidly in recent years. It is not so well understood that the engineers who build the systems, with an honest intent to communicate and express themselves, either created new words to describe what they were doing, or, adopted established words which sounded good for the purpose. Architecture is one of those words which probably should never have been allowed to spread, but, it was.

Language misfires such as this one give rise to confusing phrases such as, "network architecture is built around a Basic Service Set." This is totally confusing. It is plain the author of the manual had limited command of English. He fumbled simple number agreement, for one. I hope he is not your boss. If he is your boss, I take all that back.

My advice is to waste no further time with "built around" and be very careful of the way you use the term "architecture," especially around native English speakers.
Instead, try,
"This network is compatible with the BSS."
"This network has been configured for use with the BSS."
This network has been designed to work with the BSS."
There are many ways to say the same thing and create a lot less confusion in the process.

Evgenii · Answer

Hello, friends.

Well, I've found today this section.

WNICs are designed around the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11 standard which sets out low-level specifications for how all http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_network operate. Earlier interface controllers are usually only compatible with earlier variants of the standard, while newer cards support both current and old standards.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_network_interface_card#See_also

I think, that around here has an essential meaning.
I've found no proper definitions for it.
Don't you think that WNICs are designed around and architecture is built around are somewhat similar?

I think that author wants to tell that was used by engineers to create WNICs.
If so, then
"WNICs are designed using ~~(around)~~ the standard which sets out low-level specifications for how all operate " is correct sentence.
Right?

Then, it seems like there is some grammatical construction, in which around is combined with some verb, which refers to act of creation. Right?

This is my thoughts, and I am reading your answers.
Well, I cannot combine this all (That is not(excluding) my thoughts about WNICs are designed around and architecture is built around connection, but provided answers and WNICs are designed around)

Thank you for your help. )

Mister Micawber · Answer

I really cannot make my way through all the lengthy posts above, but 'built around X' in the original post means that X was used as the initial component/concept/etc and thereafter any ramifications or elaborations of materials/ideas/etc in the greater construction are dependent upon the initial shape and qualities of X. 'Around' is used in a metaphoric sense (X is the basic unit, the starting point). At Dictionary.com, it is definition #32 for the preposition:

32. so as to have a foundation in: The novel is built around a little-known historical event.

Evgenii · Answer

)
Yes, this is what I need.
Thank you Mister Micawber, your answer is really essential for me.

Fandorin · Answer

"Based on" or "which you use as a foundation or a framework" is the idea.

Built around

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