User's Manual
Glossary 59
Ethernet cable
A type of cable that transmits data between computers.
A widely used network technology. There are two types
of Ethernet cables, straight-through and crossover, that
differ in how the connectors on each end of the cable
are wired. Ethernet cables can support speeds of 10
megabits per second (Mbps), 100 Mbps, and higher.
file sharing
See “sharing.”
firewall
A security system that helps protect a network from
hacker attacks and other threats that originate outside
the network. A hardware rewall is a device at the
entrance to a network that has specic data-checking
settings and that helps protect all of the devices
connected to it. A software rewall resides on a single
computer, helping to protect that computer from
external threats.
firmware
Software information loaded in permanent memory on
a device.
gateway
See “base station.”
host name
The Domain Name System (DNS) name of a device on a
network, a name such as www.microsoft.com.
hub
A device that has multiple ports and that serves as
a connection point for Ethernet cables on a network.
When data arrives at the hub from one computer, it is
copied to the other ports to be transmitted to other
computers. Unlike the more “intelligent” switch and
router, the hub does not direct or control data ow.
infrastructure
network
A wireless network in which devices connect to
each other through an access point, or use a more
sophisticated intermediary such as a base station
(gateway or router). Contrast with “ad hoc network.”
intranet
A network within an organization, also called a private
network, that is available only to certain people, such as
employees of a company. Some intranets offer access to
the Internet.
IP
Acronym for “Internet Protocol.” The set of rules that
describe how to send data between computers over
the Internet. More specically, this protocol governs
the routing of data messages, which are transmitted in
smaller components called packets.
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