Appendix C Glossary

Authentication

Authentication refers to the verification of a transmitted message's integrity.

DHCP

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) software automatically assigns IP addresses to client stations logging onto a TCP/IP network, which eliminates the need to manually assign permanent IP addresses.

DNS

DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS converts machine names to the IP addresses that all machines on the net have. It translates from name to address and from address to name.

Domain Name

The domain name typically refers to an Internet site address.

Firmware

Firmware refers to memory chips that retain their content without electrical power (for example, BIOS ROM). The router firmware stores settings made in the interface.

Gateway

Gateways are computers that convert protocols enabling different networks, applications, and operating systems to exchange information.

Host Name

The name given to a computer or client station that acts as a source for information on the network.

HTTP

HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol) is the communications protocol used to connect to servers on the World Wide Web. HTTP establishes a connection with a Web server and transmits HTML pages to client browser (for example Windows IE). HTTP addresses all begin with the prefix 'http://' prefix (for example, http://www.yahoo.com).

ICMP

ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is a TCP/IP protocol used to send error and control messages over the LAN (for example, it is used by the router to notify a message sender that the destination node is not available).

IP

IP (Internet Protocol) is the protocol in the TCP/IP communications protocol suite that contains a network address and allows messages to be routed to a different network or subnet. However, IP does not ensure delivery of a complete message—TCP provides the function of ensuring delivery.

IP Address

The IP (Internet Protocol) address refers to the address of a computer attached to a TCP/IP

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