Cisco Systems WS-C2950-12 manual Glossary

GLOSSARY

100BASE-FX– 100-Mbps fixed uplink configuration

1000BASE-T–The Gigabit Ethernet standard (1 gigabit is 1000 megabits per second) using four pairs of Category 5 (CAT-5) and above UnshieldedTwisted Pair (UTP) copper cables.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) – A new encryption algorithm that is set to replace the DES algorithm. It uses a secret key of variable length (128 to 256 bits) to provide symmetric encryption for data in the IP Security (IPSec) suite of protocols.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) – A technology for transmitting digital information at high bandwidth on existing phone lines to homes and businesses. Provides a continuously available, “always on” connection.

Bridge – Connects one LAN to another using the same protocol.

Cisco IOS Software –The standard operating system used by all Cisco internetworking solutions. It provides a solution that is secure, highly resilient, easy to manage, scalable, and flexible, enabling new technologies to be deployed quickly and without heavy reinvestment. Cisco IOS Software is the most widely used internetworking operating system, providing further assurance of interoperation and reliability

Data Encryption Standard (DES) – A widely used encryption algorithm that has been used as a default for the last 20 years. There are two principle key lengths, 56-bit for DES and 168-bit for Triple DES (3DES). DES is accepted as being unbreakable except by brute force (trying every key permutation), and is part of the suite of IPSec protocols.

Demilitarised zone (DMZ) – A computer host or small network inserted as a “neutral zone” between a company’s private network and the outside public network. A DMZ prevents direct access to servers storing company data and provides greater security than a firewall.

Ethernet –The most widely installed LAN technology.The most common Ethernet systems are 10BASE-T, providing transmission speeds of up to 10 Mbps.

Firewall – A security system designed to protect a network against external threats, such as hackers.

Gigabit – A transfer rate of 1000 Mbps.

Gigabit interface converter (GBIC) – An optical or copper transceiver for flexible connections, up to and including gigabit speed, over different types of media.

IEEE –The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, notable for developing national and international standards.

IEEE 802.11 –The formal standard for the wireless networking protocol.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) – A set of standards for digital transmission over ordinary telephone copper wire and other media.

Intranet – A private network created within a business or organization.

Intrusion detection system (IDS) – A security countermeasure that monitors data traffic and events, looking for signs of intruders.