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Glossary 81
PPPoE Acronym for “Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet.” A specification
for connecting users on a network to the Internet by using a
broadband connection (typically through a DSL modem).
protocol A set of rules and conventions for sending information over a
network. These rules govern the content, format, timing, sequencing,
and error control of messages exchanged among network devices.
For example, your computer connects to the Internet using the
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
resource In reference to a “network resource,” a resource is any type of
hardware (such as a modem or printer) or software (such as an
application, file, or game) that users can share on a network.
router See “base station.”
server A computer or software program that mediates the connections
between client computers or programs on a network. The server also
responds to requests and provides shared resources, such as
storage space or processing power, to clients on the network.
sharing To make the files, folders, or printers that are on one computer (or
connected to one computer) available to other computers on a
network.
SSID Acronym for “Service Set Identifier,” also known as a “wireless
network name.” An SSID value uniquely identifies your wireless
network and is case sensitive.
static IP address A static Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier 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 find one another and communicate over the
Internet. Contrast with “dynamic IP address.”
straight-through See “Ethernet cable.”
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
configure 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.