Appendix B
Glossary
ADSL
Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) is a new modem technology that converts existing
On a network hub or switch, an
To automatically determine the correct setting. The term is often used with communications and networking
DHCP
The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an Internet protocol for automating the configuration of computers that use TCP/IP. DHCP can be used to automatically assign IP addresses, to deliver TCP/IP stack configuration parameters such as the subnet mask and default router, and to provide other configuration information such as the addresses for printer, time and news servers.
DMZ
In computer networks, a DMZ (demilitarized zone) is a computer host or small network inserted as a "neutral zone" between a company's private network and the outside public network. It prevents outside users from getting direct access to a server that stores company data. Typically, the DMZ contains devices accessible to Internet traffic, such as Web (HTTP) servers, FTP servers, SMTP
DNS
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a distributed Internet directory service. DNS is used mostly to translate between domain names and IP addresses, and to control Internet email delivery. Most Internet services rely on DNS to work. If DNS fails, web sites cannot be located and email delivery service will be suspended.
Dynamic IP Address
An IP address is automatically assigned to a user’s AP in a TCP/IP network typically by a DHCP server.
Firewall
A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.
Gateway
A device, usually a Router, that connects hosts on a local network to other networks.
IP Address
Every PC on the Internet has a unique identifying number, called an IP Address. A typical IP address looks like this: 216.27.61.137
IPSec
IPSec stands for IP Security. It provides authentication and encryption over the Internet. It functions at Layer 3 and thus secures everything on the network. It has become a standard protocol used for virtual private networks (VPNs).
MAC Address
On a local area network (LAN) or other network, the MAC (Media Access Control) address is your computer's unique hardware number. Usually written as: 01:23:45:67:89:ab
MTU
The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.
NAT
A technique by which several hosts share a single IP address for accessing to the Internet.
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