Gateway, Host Name, IP Address, MAC Address, Metric

Glossary

Gateway

Gateways are computers that convert protocols enabling different networks, applications, and operating systems to exchange information.

Host Name

The name given to a computer or client station that acts as a source for information on the network.

HTTP

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is the com- munications protocol used to connect to servers on the World Wide Web. HTTP establishes a connection with a web server and transmits HTML pages to client browser (for example Windows® IE). HTTP addresses all begin with the prefix “http://” (for example, http://www.somedomainname.com).

ICMP

ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is a TCP/IP protocol used to send error and control messages over the LAN (for example, it is used by the router to notify a message sender that the destination node is not available).

IP (Internet Protocol) is the protocol in the TCP/IP communications protocol suite that contains a network address and allows messages to be routed to a different network or subnet. However, IP does not ensure delivery of a complete message; TCP provides the function of ensuring delivery.

IP Address

The IP (Internet Protocol) address refers to the address of a computer attached to a TCP/IP net- work. Every client and server station must have a unique IP address. Clients are assigned either a permanent address or have one dynamically assigned to them via DHCP. IP addresses are written as four sets of numbers separated by periods (for example, 211.23.181.189).

ISP

An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is an organization providing Internet access service via modems, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), private lines or other means.

LAN

LANs (Local Area Networks) are networks that serve users within specific geographical areas, such as your home or in a company building.

LANs consist of a group of computers and related devices that share a common communication link (wired and/or wireless). A LAN allows you to share data and resources among the devices on the LAN.

MAC Address

A MAC address is a unique serial number for hardware adapters, giving the adapter a unique identification.

Metric

A number that indicates how long a packet takes to get to its destination.

MTU

MTU (Maximum Transmission/Transfer Unit) is the largest packet size that can be sent over a network. Messages larger than the MTU are divided into smaller packets.

NAT

NAT (Network Address Translation — also known as IP masquerading) enables a LAN to present itself to the Internet with one address. NAT con- verts the address of each LAN node into one IP address for the Internet (and vice versa). NAT also provides a certain amount of security by acting as a firewall by keeping individual IP addresses hidden from the WAN.

Network Administrator

The network administrator is the person who man- ages the LAN. The administrator's tasks include ensuring network security, keeping software, hard- ware, and firmware up-to-date, and keeping track of network activity.

NTP

NTP (Network Time Protocol) is used to synchro- nize the realtime clock in a computer. Internet pri- mary and secondary servers synchronize to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Open System

Open authentication allows all clients to connect to the network. After accessing the network, the client may encrypt data to prevent it from being easily seen by other users in the immediate area.

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