Microsoft MN-820 manual Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Notebook Kit User’s Guide

computer-to- A network configuration in which any computer can connect directly computer network to any other computer on the network. Contrast with “client/server

network.”

crossover cable See “Ethernet cable.”

DHCP Acronym for “Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.” DHCP is an Internet protocol that automatically assigns temporary Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to computers.

DMZ See “virtual DMZ.”

DNS Acronym for “Domain Name System.” A data query service used on the Internet for translating host names, such as www.microsoft.com, into Internet addresses that can be understood by computers.

domain A collection of computers on a network that share a common user database and security policy. A domain is administered as a unit with common rules and procedures by the domain administrator. Each domain has a unique name.

DSL Acronym for “Digital Subscriber Line.” A constant, high-speed digital connection to the Internet that uses a dedicated telephone line.

dynamic IP address A dynamic Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier that is assigned temporarily (by using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, or DHCP) to a device that requires it. IP addresses are required for computers to find one another and communicate over the Internet. Contrast with “static IP address.”

Ethernet A networking standard that uses cables to transmit data between computers. Also known as the IEEE 802.3 standard.

Ethernet cable A type of cable that transmits data between computers. A widely used network technology. There are two types of Ethernet cables, straight-through and crossover, that differ in how the connectors on each end of the cable are wired. Ethernet cables can support speeds of 10 megabits per second (Mbps), 100 Mbps, and higher.

file sharing See “sharing.”

firewall A security system that helps protect a network from hacker attacks and other threats that originate outside the network. A hardware firewall is a device at the entrance to a network that has specific data-checking settings and that helps protect all of the devices connected to it. A software firewall resides on a single computer, helping to protect that computer from external threats.

firmware Software information loaded in permanent memory on a device.

gateway See “base station.”

host name The Domain Name System (DNS) name of a device on a network, a name such as www.microsoft.com.

78Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Notebook Kit User’s Guide