Network Glossary

Access Point - A device that allows wireless-equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.

Ad-hoc- A group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer-to-peer) without the use of

an access point.

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) - A security method that uses symmetric 128-bit block data encryption.

Bandwidth - The transmission capacity of a given device or network.

Bit - A binary digit.

Boot - To start a device and cause it to start executing instructions.

Broadband - An always-on, fast Internet connection.

Browser - An application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web.

Cable Modem - A device that connects a computer to the cable television network, which in turn connects to the Internet.

Daisy Chain - A method used to connect devices in a series, one after the other.

DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) - Allows the hosting of a website, FTP server, or e- mail server with a fixed domain name (e.g., www.xyz.com) and a dynamic IP address.

Default Gateway - A device that forwards Internet traffic from your local area network.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A networking protocol that allows administrators to assign temporary IP addresses to network computers by “leasing” an IP address to a user for a limited amount of time, instead of assigning permanent IP addresses.

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) - Removes the Router's firewall protection from one PC, allowing it to be “seen” from the Internet.