User's Manual

Reference Manual for the NETGEAR ProSafe VPN Client
Glossary
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MD5
MD5 creates digital signatures using a one-way hash function, meaning that it takes a message and converts
it into a fixed string of digits, also called a message digest.
When using a one-way hash function, one can compare a calculated message digest against the message
digest that is decrypted with a public key to verify that the message hasn't been tampered with. This
comparison is called a "hashcheck."
N
NAT
See “Network Address Translation” on page 7.
NetBIOS
Network Basic Input Output System. An application programming interface (API) for sharing services
and information on l
ocal-area networks (LANs). Provides for communication between stations of a
network where each station is given a name. These names are alphanumeric names, 16 characters in length.
netmask
Combined with the IP address, the IP Subnet Mask allows a device to know which other addresses are local
to it, and which must be reached through a gateway or router.
A number that explains which part of an IP address comprises the network address and which part is the host
address on that network. It can be expressed in dotted-decimal notation or as a number appended to the IP
address. For example, a 28-bit mask starting from the MSB can be shown as 255.255.255.192 or as /28
appended to the IP address.
Network Address Translation
Sometimes referred to as Transparent Proxying, IP Address Overloading, or IP Masquerading. Involves use
of a device called a Network Address Translator, which assigns a contrived, or logical, IP address and port
number to each node on an organization's internal network and passes packets using these assigned
addresses.
P
packet
A block of information sent over a network. A packet typically contains a source and destination network
address, some protocol and length information, a block of data, and a checksum.