Appendix

IP

Internet Protocol. The standard protocol within TCP/IP that defines the basic unit of information passed across an Internet connection by breaking down data messages into packets, routing and transporting the packets over network connections, then reassembling the packets at their destination. IP corresponds to the network layer in the ISO/OSI model.

IP Address

An IP address is a 32-bit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information sent across the Internet. An IP address has two parts: the identifier of a particular network on the Internet and an identifier of the particular device (which can be a server or a workstation) within that network, i. e. 193.12.7.137.

ISP

Internet Service Provider. An organization that provides access to the Internet. Small ISPs provide service via modem and ISDN while the larger ones also offer private line hookups.

LAN

Local Area Network. A communications network that serves users within a defined geographical area. The benefits include the sharing of Internet access, files, and equipment, such as printers and storage devices. Special network cabling (10BaseT) is often used to connect the PCs together.

NAT

Network Address Translation. The translation of an Internet Protocol address (IP address) used within one network to a different IP address known within another network. One network is designated the internal network and the other is the external. The internal network then appears as one entity to the outside world.

Radio Frequency

RF, Terms: GHz, MHz, Hz – The international unit for measuring frequency is Hertz (Hz), equivalent to the older unit of cycles per second. One megahertz (MHz) is one Million- Hertz. One giga hertz (GHz) is one Billion-Hertz. The standard U.S. electrical power frequency is 60 Hz, the AM broadcast radio frequency band is 0.55-1.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency band is 88-108 MHz, and wireless IEEE 802.11 LANs operate at 2.4GHz.

SSID

Service Set ID. A group name shared by every member of a wireless network. Only network adapters with the same SSID are allowed to establish a connection.

Subnet Mask

A value that defines whether your computer communicates only within your LAN or communicates outside of your LAN, where it is routed out to the rest of the Internet. A Subnet Mask that has the same first three components (for example, 255.255.255.0) is the routing pattern for a Class C address.

45