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10BaseT An Ethernet standard that uses twisted wire pairs. 100BaseTX
IEEE
physical layer specification for 100 Mbps over two pairs of Category 5 UTP
or STP wire. Adapter
Printed
circuit board that plugs into a PC to add to capabilities or connectivity
to a PC. In a networked environment, a network interface card (NIC)
is the typical adapter that allows the PC or server to connect to the
intranet and/or Internet. Autonegotiate
To
automatically determine the correct settings. The term is often
used with communications and networking. For example, Ethernet 10/100
cards, hubs and switches can determine the highest speed of the node they
are connected to and adjust their transmission rate accordingly. Backbone
–
The part of a network that connects most of the systems and networks
together and handles the most data. Bandwidth
The
transmission capacity of a given facility, in terms of how much data the
facility can transmit in a fixed amount of time; expressed in bits per
second (bps). Bit
–
A binary digit. The value —0 or 1—used in the binary numbering system.
Also, the smallest form of data. Boot – The starting of a computer or computer related equipment (i.e. switch, hub, or router). A cold boot is when the equipment is started from a power-off condition. A warm boot is when the equipment is already powered up and a reset is issued either through a software command or a reset button. Broadband
A
data transmission scheme in which multiple signals share the bandwidth of
a medium. This allows the transmission of voice, data and video signals
over a single medium. Cable television uses broadband techniques to
deliver dozens of channels over one cable. Browser
A
browser is an application program that provides a way to look at and
interact with all the information on the World Wide Web or PC. The word
“browser” seems to have originated prior to the Web as a generic term
for user interfaces that let you browse text files online. CSMA/CD
(Carrier Sense
Multiple Access/Collision Detection)
The LAN access method used in Ethernet. When a device wants to gain
access to the network, it checks to see if the network is quiet (senses
the carrier). If it is not, it waits a random amount of time before
retrying. If the network is quiet and two devices access the line at
exactly the same time, their signals collide. When the collision is
detected, they both back off and each wait a random amount of time before
retrying. Database
A
database is a collection of data that is organized so that its contents
can easily be accessed, managed, and updated. Default
Gateway The
routing device used to forward all traffic that is not addressed
to a station within the local subnet. DHCP
(Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol) A
protocol that lets network administrators manage centrally and automate
the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization’s
network. Using the Internet’s set of protocol (TCP/IP), each machine
that can connect to the Internet needs a unique IP address. When an
organization sets up its computer users with a connection to the Internet,
an IP address must be assigned to each machine. Without
DHCP, the IP address must be entered manually at each computer and, if
computers move to another location in another part of the network, a new
IP address must be entered. DHCP lets a network administrator supervise
and distribute IP addresses from a central point and automatically sends a
new IP address when a computer is plugged into a different place in the
network. DHCP
uses the concept of a “lease” or amount of time that a given IP
address will be valid for a computer. The lease time can vary depending on
how long a user is likely to require the Internet connection at a
particular location. It’s especially useful in education and other
environments where users change frequently. Using
very short leases, DHCP can dynamically reconfigure networks in which
there are more computers than there are available IP addresses. DMZ
(Demilitarized
Zone) allows one IP address (or computer) to be exposed to the Internet.
Some applications require multiple TCP/IP ports to be open. It is
recommended that you set your computer with a static IP address if you
want to use DMZ Hosting. DNS
The
domain name system (DNS) is the way that Internet domain name are located
and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. A domain name is a
meaningful and easytoremember “handle” for an Internet address. Domain
A
subnetwork comprised of a group of clients and servers under the control
of one security database. Dividing LANs into domains improves performance
and security. Download
To
receive a file transmitted over a network. In a communications session,
download means receive, upload means transmit. Dynamic
IP Address An
IP address that is automatically assigned to a client station in a TCP/IP
network, typically by a DHCP server. Network devices that serve multiple
users, such as servers and printers, are usually assigned static IP
addresses. Dynamic
Routing The
ability for a router to forward data via a different route based on the
current conditions of the communications circuits. For example, it can
adjust for overloaded traffic or failing lines and is much more flexible
than static routing, which uses a fixed forwarding path. Ethernet
IEEE
standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and
retrieved from a common transmission medium. Has a transfer rate of 10
Mbps. Forms the underlying transport vehicle used by several upperlevel
protocols, including TCP/IP and XNS. Fast
Ethernet A
100 Mbps technology based on the 10BaseT Ethernet CSMA/CD network access
method. Firewall
A
firewall is a set of related programs, located at a network gateway
server, that protects the resources of a network from users from other
networks. Firmware
Code
that is written onto readonly memory (ROM) or programmable readonly memory
(PROM). Once firmware has been written onto the ROM or PROM, it is
retained even when the device is turned off. FQDN
(Fully
Qualified Domain Name) The
host name and domain name for a specific computer on the Internet. For
example, www.homeplanetnetworks.com is a FQDN. The host name is “www”,
and the domain name is “homeplanetnetworks.com”. FTP
(File
Transfer Protocol) A protocol
used to transfer files over a TCP/IP network (Internet, UNIX, etc.). For
example, after developing the HTML pages for a Web site on a local
machine, they are typically uploaded to the Web server using FTP. FTP
includes functions to log onto the network, list directories and copy
files. It can also convert between the ASCII and EBCDIC character
codes. FTP operations can be performed by typing commands at a command
prompt or via an FTP utility running under a graphical interface such as
Windows. FTP transfers can also be initiated from within a Web browser by
entering the URL preceded with ftp://. Unlike
email programs in which graphics and program files have to be
“attached,” FTP is designed to handle binary files directly and does
not add the overhead of encoding and decoding the data. Full
Duplex The
ability of a device or line to transmit data simultaneously in both
directions. Gateway
–
A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible
communications protocols. Half
Duplex Data
transmission that can occur in two directions over a single line, but only
one direction at a time. Hub
The
device that serves as the central location for attaching wires from
workstations. Can be passive, where there is no amplification of the
signals; or active, where the hubs are used like repeaters to provide an
extension of the cable that connects to a workstation. IP
Address In
the most widely installed level of the Internet Protocol (Internet
Protocol) today, an IP address is a 32binary digit number that identifies
each sender or receiver of information that is sent in packet across the
Internet. When you request an HTML page or send email, the Internet Protocol
part of TCP/IP includes your IP address in the message (actually, in each
of the packets if more than one is required) and sends it to the IP
address that is obtained by looking up the domain name in the Uniform
Resource Locator you requested or in the email address you’re sending a
note to. At the other end, the recipient can see the IP address of the Web
page requestor or the email sender and can respond by sending another
message using the IP address it received. IPCONFIG
–
A Windows NT or 2000 utility that provides for querying, defining and
managing IP addresses within a network. A commonly used utility for
configuring networks with static IP addresses. IPSec
(Internet
Protocol Security) A
suite of protocols used to implement secure exchange of packets at the IP
layer. IPSec supports two basic modes: Transport and Tunnel.
Transport encrypts the payload of each packet, leaving the header
untouched, while Tunnel mode encrypts both the header and the pay load and
is therefore more secure. IPSec must be supported on both transmitter and
receiver and must share a public key. Tunnel mode is widely deployed in
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). ISP
An
ISP (Internet service provider) is a company that provides individuals and
companies access to the Internet and other related services such as Web
site building and virtual hosting. LAN
A
local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices
that share a common communications line and typically share the resources
of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for
example, within an office building). MAC
Address The
MAC (Media Access Control) address is your computer’s unique hardware
number. Mbps
(MegaBits
Per Second) One million bits
per second; unit of measurement for data transmission. mIRC
mIRC
runs under Windows and provides a graphical interface for logging onto IRC
servers and listing, joining and leaving channels. NAT
NAT
(Network Address Translation) is 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 inside network
and the other is the outside. Network
A
system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data between
users. NIC
(Network
Interface Card) A board
installed in a computer system, usually a PC, to provide network
communication capabilities to and from that computer system. Also called
an adapter. Packet
A
unit of data routed between an origin and a destination in a network. Ping
(Packet
INternet Groper) An
Internet utility used to determine whether a particular IP address is
online. It is used to test and debug a network by sending out a packet and
waiting for a response. Port
A
pathway into and out of the computer or a network device such as a switch
or router. For example, the serial and parallel ports on a personal
computer are external sockets for plugging in communications lines, modems
and printers. PPPoE
(Point
to Point Protocol over Ethernet) PPPoE
is a method for the encapsulation of PPP packets over Ethernet frames from
the user to the ISP over the Internet. One reason PPPoE is preferred by
ISPs is because it provides authentication (username and password) in
addition to data transport. A PPPoE session can be initiated by either a
client application residing on a PC, or by client firmware residing on a
modem or router. PPTP
(Point to Point
Tunneling Protocol) A
protocol which allows the Point to Point Protocol (PPP) to be tunneled
through an IP network. PPTP does not specify any changes to the PPP
protocol but rather describes a "tunneling service" for carrying
PPP (a tunneling service is any network service enabled by tunneling
protocols such as PPTP, L2F, L2TP, and IPSEC tunnel mode). One example of
a tunneling service is secure access from a remote small office network to
a headquarters corporate intranet via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that
traverses the Internet. However, tunneling services are not restricted to
corporate environments and may also be used for personal (i.e.,
nonbusiness) applications. RIP
(Routing Information
Protocol) A simple routing
protocol that is part of the TCP/IP protocol suite. It determines a route
based on the smallest hop count between source and destination. RIP is a
distance vector protocol that routinely broadcasts routing information to
its neighboring routers. RJ45
A
connector similar to a telephone connector that
holds up to eight wires, used for connecting Ethernet devices. Router
Protocol
dependent device that connects subnetworks together. Routers are
useful in breaking down a very large network into smaller subnetworks;
they introduce longer delays and typically have much lower throughput
rates. Server
Any
computer whose function in a network is to provide user access to files,
printing, communications, and other services. Static
IP Address A
permanent IP address that is assigned to a node in an IP or a TCP/IP
network. Static
Routing Forwarding
data in a network via a fixed path. Static routing cannot adjust to
changing line conditions as can dynamic routing. STP
(Shielded Twisted
Pair) Telephone wire that is
wrapped in a metal sheath to eliminate external interference. Subnet
Mask The
method used for splitting IP networks into a series of subgroups, or
subnets. The mask is a binary pattern that is matched up with the IP
address to turn part of the host ID address field into a field for
subnets. Switch
–
1. A data switch connects computing devices to host computers, allowing a
large number of devices to share a limited number of ports. 2. A device
for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical
circuit. TCP
(Transmission
Control Protocol) A method
(protocol) used along with the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the
form of message units (datagram) between network devices over a LAN or
WAN. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data
(routing), TCP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data
(called packets) that a message is divided into for efficient delivery
over the network. TCP is known as a “connection oriented” protocol due
to requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment of
receipt to the sender of the packet resulting in transmission control. TCP/IP
(Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol) The
basic communication language or set of protocols for communications over a
network (developed specifically for the Internet). TCP/IP defines a suite
or group of protocols and not only TCP and IP. TFTP
(Trivial
File Transfer Protocol) A
version of the TCP/IP FTP protocol that has no directory or password
capability. Throughput
The
amount of data moved successfully from one place to another in a given
time period. Topology
A
network’s topology is a logical characterization of how the devices on
the network are connected and the distances between them. The most common
network devices include hubs, switches, routers, and gateways. Most large
networks contain several levels of interconnection, the most important of
which include edge connections, backbone connections, and wide area
connections. Upload
To
transmit a file over a network. In a communications session, upload means
transmit, download means receive. URL
(Uniform
Resource Locator) The address
that defines the route to a file on the Web or any other Internet
facility. URLs are typed into the browser to access Web pages, and URLs
are embedded within the pages themselves to provide the hypertext links to
other pages. UDP
(User
Datagram Protocol) A method
(protocol) used along with the IP (Internet Protocol) to send data in the
form of message units (datagram) between network devices over a LAN or
WAN. While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data
(routing), UDP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data
(called packets) that a message is divided into for efficient delivery
over the network. UDP is known as a "connectionless" protocol
due to NOT requiring the receiver of a packet to return an acknowledgment
of receipt to the sender of the packet (as opposed to TCP). UTP
Unshielded
twisted pair is the most common kind of copper telephone wiring. Twisted
pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and many business
computers to the telephone company. To reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic
induction between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are twisted
around each other. Each signal on twisted pair requires both wires.
Since some telephone sets or desktop locations require multiple
connections, twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all
within a single cable. VPN
(Virtual
Private Network) A technique
that allows two or more LANs to be extended over public communication
channels by creating private communication subchannels (tunnels).
Effectively, these LANs can use a WAN as a single large
“virtually private” LAN. This removes the need to use leased lines for
WAN communications through secure use of a publicly available WAN (such as
the Internet). Examples of VPN technology are: PPTP (Point to Point
Tunneling Protocol), L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol), and IPSec
(Internet Protocol Security). WAN
(Wide
Area Network) A communications network that covers a relatively large
geographic area, consisting of two or more LANs. Broadband communication
over the WAN is often through public networks such as the telephone (DSL)
or cable systems, or through leased lines or satellites. In its most basic
definition, the Internet could be considered a WAN. WINIPCFG
Configuration
utility based on the Win32 API for querying, defining and managing IP
addresses within a network. A commonly used utility for configuring
networks with static IP addresses. Windows
95, Windows 98, & Windows ME |
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