hub A device that has multiple ports and that serves as a connection point for Ethernet cables on a network. When data arrives at the hub from one computer, it is copied to the other ports to be transmitted to other computers. Unlike the more “intelligent” switch and router, the hub does not direct or control data flow.
infrastructure A wireless network in which devices connect to each other through network an access point, or use a more sophisticated intermediary such as a
base station (gateway or router). Contrast with “ad hoc network.”
intranet A network within an organization, also called a private network, that is available only to certain people, such as employees of a company. Some intranets offer access to the Internet.
IP Acronym for “Internet Protocol.” The set of rules that describe how to send data between computers over the Internet. More specifically, this protocol governs the routing of data messages, which are transmitted in smaller components called packets.
IP address Acronym for “Internet Protocol” address. An IP address is an assigned number used to identify a computer that is connected to a network or the Internet through the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). An IP address consists of four numbers (each of which can be no greater than 255) separated by periods, such as 172.31.1.1.
ISP Acronym for “Internet service provider.” A company that provides access to the Internet.
Kbps Abbreviation of “kilobits per second.” A measure of data transfer speed through a modem or on a network.
LAN Acronym for “local area network.” A group of computers and other devices dispersed over a relatively limited area (for example, a building) and connected by a communications link that enables any device to interact with any other on the network.
MAC address Acronym for “media access control” address. Each network adapter and other network hardware device is manufactured with its own unique MAC address. Networking standards and technologies use MAC addresses to pass information between network devices.
Mbps Abbreviation of “megabits per second.” A measure of data transfer speed. Do not confuse with megabytes per second, or MBps.
NAT Acronym for “network address translation.” NAT is a base station feature and software feature that allows all of the computers on a network to access the Internet through one Internet Protocol (IP) address, and helps ensure the computers’ security by hiding their individual IP addresses.
network A group of computers and associated devices that are connected by communications paths. Networks can interconnect with other networks and contain