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NETWORK GLOSSARY
Access Point - A device that allows wireless-equipped computers and other devices to
communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network.
Ad-hoc - A group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer-to-peer)
without the use of
an access point.
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) - A security method that uses symmetric 128-bit block
data encryption.
Bandwidth - The transmission capacity of a given device or network.
Bit - A binary digit.
Boot - To start a device and cause it to start executing instructions.
Broadband - An always-on, fast Internet connection.
Browser - An application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the
information on the World Wide Web.
Cable Modem - A device that connects a computer to the cable television network, which in
turn connects to the Internet.
Daisy Chain - A method used to connect devices in a series, one after the other.
DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) - Allows the hosting of a website, FTP server, or e-
mail server with a fixed domain name (e.g., www.xyz.com) and a dynamic IP address.
Default Gateway - A device that forwards Internet traffic from your local area network.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A networking protocol that allows
administrators to assign temporary IP addresses to network computers by “leasing” an IP
address to a user for a limited amount of time, instead of assigning permanent IP addresses.
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) - Removes the Router's firewall protection from one PC, allowing
it to be “seen” from the Internet.