channel One portion of the available radio spectrum that all devices on a wireless network use to communicate. Changing the channel on the access point/router can help reduce interference.
client Any computer or device connected to a network that requests files and services (files, print capability) from the server or other devices on the network. The term also refers to end users.
DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol for dynamically assigning IP addresses from a predefined list to nodes on a network. When they log on, network nodes automatically receive an IP address from a pool of addresses served by a DHCP. The DHCP server provides (or leases) an IP address to a client for a specific period of time. The client will automatically request a renewal of the lease when the lease is about to run out. If a lease renewal is not requested and it expires, the address is returned to the pool of available IP addresses. Using DHCP to manage IP addresses simplifies client configuration and efficiently utilizes IP addresses. See IP address.
DNS Domain Name System. An Internet service that translates alphanumeric domain names to assigned IP addresses and vice versa. The term is typically used to describe the server that makes the translation. Every website has its own specific IP address on the Internet. DNS typically refers to a database of Internet names and addresses that translates the alphanumeric names to the official Internet Protocol numbers and vice versa. For instance, a DNS server converts a name like mywebsite.com to a series of numbers like 107.22.55.26. See IP, IP address.
DSL Digital Subscriber Line. A dedicated digital circuit between a residence or business and a telephone company’s central office. It allows
encryption A mechanism for providing data confidentiality. See WPA, WPA2.
Ethernet The most popular international standard technology for wired local area networks (LANs). It provides from 10 Mbps transmission speeds on basic
66