Star Tech Development BR4100DC manual Glossary

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Glossary

Bridge: An intelligent, internetworking device that forwards or filters packets between different networks based on data link layer (MAC) address information.

Broadband: A method of communication where a wide band of frequencies is available to transmit voice, data, and video signals over a single medium. Information can be sent on many different channels, allowing more information to be sent in a given period of time (the same way multiple lanes allow more cars on the road).

Cable Modem: A device that provides Internet access to a user by connecting a computer to the cable television network, which in turn connects to the Internet. Cable modem users have a continuous always-on connection to the Internet.

Daisy Chain: A hardware configuration where devices are connected one after the other in series. Transmitted signals proceed down the chain from the first device to the second, and so on.

Default Gateway: A routing device used to forward traffic that is not on the local subnet. When a network device wants to send an IP packet to a destination that is not on the same network, the device sends the packet to a default gateway, which will send it out towards the destination. In the case of the BR4100DC, the router’s IP address acts as a default gateway.

Denial of Service Attack: A method used by hackers to prevent legitimate users from accessing a service or resource. A DoS attack usually involves the hacker sending a large number of request packets to a targeted network service, making it unusable for other users.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): A protocol that automatically assigns dynamic IP addresses to PC/LAN clients logging in to a TCP/IP network. Without DHCP, IP addresses must be logged in manually at each computer.

DMZ (DeMilitarized Zone): A computer host or small subnetwork that exists between a trusted Internal network and an external, untrusted network (such as the Internet). Users on the external network can access your DMZ without being able to access the rest of your network.

DNS (Domain Name System): A system that translates an Internet address (like www.startech.com) into a proper IP address (like 192.168.2.1). A DNS server keeps a database of Internet servers and their respective Internet and IP addresses, so that when you type “www.startech.com” into your web browser, you are sent to the web site located at 192.168.2.1, for example. Your ISP can provide you with the IP address of the DNS server you use when connected to the Internet.

DSL Modem (Digital Subscriber Line Modem): A device that provides a user with Internet access using telephone lines to connect the computer to the Internet at high speeds.

Dynamic IP Address: A temporary IP address given to a PC/LAN client by the DHCP server for the duration of an Internet session or some other established period of time. The IP address is chosen at random from a pool of available IP addresses on the DHCP server. When the session is concluded or the lease-time has expired, the IP address is returned to the pool.