Microsoft MN-150 manual Microsoft Broadband Networking 5-Port Switch User’s Guide

client/server network A network of two or more computers that rely upon a central server to mediate the connections or provide additional system resources. This dependence upon a server differentiates a client/ server network from a peer-to-peer network.

computer name A name that uniquely identifies a computer on the network so that all its shared resources can be accessed by other computers on the network. One computer’s name cannot be the same as any other computer or domain name on the network.

crossover cable See Ethernet cable.

DHCP Acronym for “Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.” A TCP/IP protocol that automatically assigns temporary IP addresses to computers on a local area network. Microsoft Broadband Networking base stations support the use of DHCP which, combined with ICS, allows you to share one Internet connection with multiple computers on a network.

dial-up connection An Internet connection of limited duration that uses a public telephone network rather than a dedicated circuit or some other type of private network. The Microsoft Broadband Networking hardware does not support the use of a dial-up connection to the Internet.

DNS Acronym for “Domain Name System.” A data query service chiefly used on the Internet for translating host names into Internet addresses. The DNS database maps DNS domain names to IP addresses, so that users can locate computers and services through user-friendly names.

domain In a networked computer environment, a collection of computers that share a common domain database and security policy. A domain is administered as a unit with common rules and procedures, and each domain has a unique name.

driver Within a networking context, mediates communication between a computer and a network adapter installed on that computer.

DSL Acronym for “Digital Subscriber Line.” A constant, high-speed digital connection to the Internet that uses standard copper telephone wires.

DSL modem See broadband modem.

duplex A mode of connection; full-duplex transmission allows for the simultaneous transfer of information between the sender and the receiver. Half-duplex transmission allows for the transfer of information in only one direction at a time.

dynamic IP address The IP address assigned (using the DHCP protocol) to a device that requires it. A dynamic IP address can also be assigned to a router by an ISP.

30Microsoft Broadband Networking 5-Port Switch User’s Guide