SMC Networks SMC7204BRA manual Network mask, Packet, Port

Terminology

network mask

A network mask is a sequence of bits applied to an IP address to select the network ID while ignoring the host ID. Bits set to 1 mean "select this bit" while bits set to 0 mean "ignore this bit." For example, if the network mask 255.255.255.0 is applied to the IP address 100.10.50.1, the network ID is 100.10.50, and the host ID is 1. See also binary, IP address, subnet.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

An adapter card that plugs into your computer and provides the physical interface to your network cabling, which for Ethernet NICs is typically an RJ-45 connector. See Ethernet, RJ-45.

packet

Data transmitted on a network consists of units called packets. Each packet contains a payload (the data), plus overhead information such as where it came from (source address) and where it should go (destination address).

ping (Packet Internet (or Inter-Network) Groper)

A program used to verify whether the host associated with an

IP address is online. It can also be used to reveal the IP address for a given domain name.

port

A physical access point to a device such as a computer or router, through which data flows into and out of the device.

POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service)

Traditional analog telephone service using copper telephone lines. Pronounced pots. See also PSTN.

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