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. The address that is used for communication between network adapters on the same subnet. Each network adapter is manufactured with its own unique MAC address.
Mbps Abbreviation of “megabits per second.” A unit of bandwidth measurement that defines the speed at which information can be transferred through a network or Ethernet cable. One megabyte is roughly equivalent to eight megabits.
modem A device that facilitates the transmission and reception of information between computers.
NAT Acronym for “network address translation.” The process of converting between IP addresses used within a private network and Internet IP addresses. NAT enables all of the computers on a network to share one IP address. The Microsoft Broadband Networking Base Station supports NAT, which provides an extra layer of network security by masking the actual IP addresses of the computers using a base station.
network A collection of two or more computers that are connected to each other through wired or wireless means. These computers can share access to the Internet and the use of files, printers, and other equipment.
network adapter Also known as a “network interface card” (NIC). An expansion card or other device used to provide network access to a computer, printer, or other device.
PC Card A peripheral that adds memory, mass storage, modem capability, or other networking services to portable computers.
Plug and Play A set of specifications that allows a computer to automatically detect and configure various peripheral devices, such as monitors, modems, and printers.
port A physical connection through which data is transferred between a
computer and other devices (such as a printer, monitor, or modem), a network, or another computer. Also, a software channel for network communications.