User's Manual

Glossary 63
static IP address
A static Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique
identier that is assigned permanently to a computer by
a network administrator or an Internet service provider
(ISP). IP addresses are required in order for computers
to nd one another and communicate over the Internet.
Contrast with “dynamic IP address.”
straight-through
cable
See “Ethernet cable.”
subnet
A distinct network that forms part of a larger computer
network. Subnets are connected through routers and
can use a shared network address to connect to the
Internet.
subnet mask
Similar in form to an Internet Protocol (IP) address,
a subnet mask is provided by your Internet service
provider (ISP) and used to congure a networked
computer for proper communication with a network. An
example of a subnet mask value is 255.255.0.0.
switch
Like a hub, a switch is a device that has multiple ports
and that serves as a connection point for Ethernet
cables on a network. But a switch only forwards data
packets to the computer that has requested them. A
router is a specialized kind of switch.
TCP/IP
Acronym for “Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol.” A networking protocol that allows computers
to communicate across interconnected networks
and the Internet. Every computer on the Internet
communicates by using TCP/IP.
UPnP
UPnP™ standards are dened by the Universal Plug and
Play Forum. They extend conventional Plug and Play
(PnP) standards. When a UPnP device is plugged into a
network, the other devices on the network automatically
detect the new device.
USB
Acronym for “universal serial bus.” A hardware standard
for easily connecting peripherals to a computer system.
USB supports Plug and Play and UPnP installation, so
devices can be connected and disconnected without
shutting down and restarting your computer.
USB port
A rectangular slot in a computer or computer peripheral
into which a USB connector is inserted. USB ports can
be high-powered or low-powered. USB ports that are
connected directly to your computer are normally high-
powered; USB ports that are on peripherals (such as a
keyboard or monitor) are normally low-powered. Some
USB devices, such as the Microsoft wireless adapter,
require high-powered ports to function correctly.
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