Appendix D: Glossary
Adapter - A device that adds network functionality to your PC.
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) - A security method that uses symmetric
Backbone - The part of a network that connects most of the systems and networks together, and handles the most data.
Bandwidth - The transmission capacity of a given device or network.
Bit - A binary digit.
Boot - To start a device and cause it to start executing instructions.
Bridge - A device that connects different networks.
Broadband - An
Browser - An application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web.
Buffer - A shared or assigned memory area that is used to support and coordinate different computing and networking activities so one isn't held up by the other.
Byte - A unit of data that is usually eight bits long
Cable Modem - A device that connects a computer to the cable television network, which in turn connects to the Internet.
CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance) - A method of data transfer that is used to prevent data collisions.
CTS (Clear To Send) - A signal sent by a wireless device, signifying that it is ready to receive data. Daisy Chain - A method used to connect devices in a series, one after the other.
Database - A collection of data that is organized so that its contents can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
Appendix D: Glossary | 32 |
