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Networking Terms
There is a wide variety of terms used to explain computer networking. The terms listed are a compilation of some of the more common terms used to describe networking. Many terms may not be mentioned here. Please contact us, and we will define a computer networking term you are interested in knowing more about if it is not listed here.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a communications protocol that lets network administrators manage and automate the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network. DHCP allows devices to connect to a network and be automatically assigned an IP address.
DNS (Domain Name System) -
The Domain Name System is the system that translates Internet domain names into IP numbers.
Ethernet - One of the most common local area network (LAN) wiring schemes, Ethernet has a transmission rate of 10 megabits per second; a newer standard called Fast Ethernet will carry 100 megabits per second.
Internet - An electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world.
IP address - Each machine connected to the Internet has an unique address known as an Internet Protocol address (IP address). The IP address takes the form of four numbers separated by dots, for example: 123.45.67.890.
LAN (Local Area Network) - LAN is a collection of computers linked together by an enclosed network.
Modem - A device that converts the digital signal from a computer to an analog signal that can be transmitted along an ordinary phone line. This allows computers to connect to the Internet through a telephone line.
NAT (Network Address Translation) - An Internet standard that enables a local-area network (LAN) to use one set of IP addresses for internal traffic (usually private addresses) and a second set of public addresses for external traffic. A NAT box/router/firewall is located where the LAN meets the Internet makes all necessary IP address translations.
Netbios - Short for Network Basic Input Output System, it is a software developed by IBM that provides the interface between the PC operating system, the input/output bus, and the network.
Router - Network layer device that determines the optimal path along which network traffic should be forwarded. Routers forward packets from one network to another based on network layer information.
Server - A computer that delivers information and software to other computers linked by a network.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - A protocol for communication between computers, used as a standard for transmitting data over networks and as the basis for standard Internet protocols.
WAN (Wide Area Network) - It is a network, usually constructed with serial lines, which covers a large geographic.
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