GLOSSARY 169
IPSec IP Security. Provides IP
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 is connected for the purpose of exchanging information or sharing resources. Networks vary in size, some are within a single room, others span continents.
Network Interface A circuit board installed into a piece of computing equipment, for Card (NIC) example, a computer, that enables you to connect it to the network. A
NIC is also known as an adapter or adapter card.
Protocol A set of rules for communication between devices on a network. The rules dictate format, timing, sequencing and error control.
