software that runs on Windows NT Server, and Windows 95 and Windows 98 will call the server to obtain the address. Windows 98 will allocate itself an address if no DHCP server can be found.
DNS
Domain Name System. DNS allows Internet host computers to have a domain name (such as 3com.com) and one or more IP addresses (such as 192.34.45.8). A DNS server keeps a database of host computers and their respective domain names and IP addresses, so that when a domain name is requested (as in typing “3com.com” into your Internet browser), the user is sent to the proper IP address. The DNS server address used by the computers on your home network is the location of the DNS server your ISP has assigned.
DSL modem
DSL stands for digital subscriber line. A DSL modem uses your existing phone lines to send and receive data at high speeds.
Ethernet
A LAN specification developed jointly by Xerox, Intel and Digital Equipment Corporation. Ethernet networks use CSMA/CD to transmit packets at a rate of 10 Mbps over a variety of cables.
Ethernet Address
See MAC address.
Fast Ethernet
An Ethernet system that is designed to operate at 100 Mbps.
Firewall
Electronic protection that prevents anyone outside of your network from seeing your files or damaging your computers.
Full Duplex
A system that allows packets to be transmitted and received at the same time and, in effect, doubles the potential throughput of a link.
Gateway
A device that acts as a central hub by connecting to each computer's network interface card and managing the data traffic between the local network and the Internet.
Half Duplex
A system that allows packets to transmitted and received, but not at the same time. Contrast with full duplex.
Hub
A device that regenerates LAN traffic so that the transmission distance of that signal can be extended. Hubs are similar to repeaters, in that they connect LANs of the same type; however they connect more LANs than a repeater and are generally more sophisticated.
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This American organization was founded in 1963 and sets standards for computers and communications.
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