Wireless Router Installation Guide

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Appendix A: Glossary
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IP address - A a number that uniquely identifies a computer on the network.
IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) - A standard method for providing data
confidentiality, integrity, and the authentication between participating hosts.
ISP (Internet service provider) - A company that provides access to the
Internet. Most ISPs also provide e-mail addresses.
LAN (local area network) - A LAN uses network hardware, such as network
adapters, hubs, cables, and wireless devices, to link multiple computers for
sharing resources, such files, printers, and an Internet connection.
MAC (Media Access Control) Address - A unique number assigned to
networking hardware, such as routers, hubs, and network interface cards by the
manufacturer.
Mbps (MegaBits Per Second) - Transfer speed of 1 million bits per second.
network - Two or more computers linked together for the purpose of sharing
resources, such as files, printers, or a Internet connection. Routers are often used
to link the device, especially if the network includes more than two computers.
packet - A unit of transmitted data. When a server sends information, such as
e-mail messages and files, through the Internet, the server divides the
information into packets that contains identifying information called headers
and footers. The system receiving the information uses the headers and footers
to reassemble the information.
passphrase - Similar to a password, a passphrase is a sequence of characters
used by the router to create encryption keys.
ping (Packet INternet Groper) - A network utility that determines if a remote
device, such as a server, can be reached on the network. For more information,
see “Ping utility” on page 58.
plug-and-play - If a device is a plug-and-play device, a computer can
automatically detect and configure the device and install the appropriate
software called a device driver.
port - A computer program using TCP/IP sends information to another
computer through a port. Ports are assigned numbers that come after a standard
IP address. Many programs hide these port numbers to reduce the complexity
of TCP/IP.
port forwarding - Port forwarding, unlike DMZ hosting, lets a single computer
on your LAN expose only one of its ports to the Internet. This type of port
exposure has more security than DMZ hosting.