120 GLOSSARY
consists of 32 bits divided into two or three fields: a network number and
a host number or a network number, a subnet number, and a host
number.
IP Address Internet Protocol Address. A unique identifier for a device attached to a
network using TCP/IP. The address is written as four octets separated with
periods (full-stops), and is made up of a network section, an optional
subnet section and a host section.
ISP Internet Service Provider. An ISP is a business that provides connectivity to
the Internet for individuals and other businesses or organizations.
LAN Local Area Network. A network of end stations (such as PCs, printers,
servers) and network devices (hubs and switches) that cover a relatively
small geographic area (usually not larger than a floor or building). LANs
are characterized by high transmission speeds over short distances (up to
1000 metres).
MAC Media Access Control. A protocol specified by the IEEE for determining
which devices have access to a network at any one time.
MAC Address Media Access Control Address. Also called the hardware or physical
address. A layer 2 address associated with a particular network device.
Most devices that connect to a LAN have a MAC address assigned to
them as they are used to identify other devices in a network. MAC
addresses are 6 bytes long.
NAT Network Address Translation. NAT enables all the computers on your
network to share one IP address. The NAT capability of the Router allows
you to access the Internet from any computer on your home network
without having to purchase more IP addresses from your ISP.
Network A Network is a collection of computers and other computer equipment
that are connected for the purpose of exchanging information or sharing
resources. Networks vary in size, some are within a single room, others
span continents.