GLOSSARY
802.11b/g/n -
The number 802.11 is the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) term for the
wireless signal on a land area network (WLAN). The letters that follow indicate the levels of strength. The
following lists the maximum throughputs for b and g:
b = 11 Mb/s
■
g = 54 Mb/s
■
n is the most recent protocol:
n = well over 50 Mb/s
■
AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) -
Similar to SMB/CIFS and NFS, AFP is a protocol used for requests over a network.
Requests could mean accessing shared files, volumes, and devices (such as printers). AFP is used for
Apple-based systems, Mac OS 9 and X.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) -
A computer requires an identity when it connects to a
network, otherwise access to the Internet as well as company or home servers will not be possible. That identity
is called an IP (Internet Protocol) address, which may be enabled manually (Static IP) in the operating system
network settings or assigned by a network management device, such as a DHCP device. Though a generic term,
the device could be a server or an active switch, as found in business environments; or, a cable or DSL modem
offered by an Internet provider. The LaCie product has the ability to assign IP addresses dynamically, which
means it can be configured as a DHCP server. An example of an IP address is 192.168.10.1
DHCP Server Range Start IP/Range End IP -
The range of addresses that a DHCP server may assign to the
attached systems.
DLNA™ (Digital Living Network Alliance) -
A standard (based on UPnP) widely embraced by consumer
electronic manufacturers to allow entertainment devices within the home to share movies, music, and photos
across a home network.
DNS (Domain Name System or Domain Name Server) -
All email and web addresses are domain names.
Every web site and email account has a specific place within a server that has a unique IP address (such as
192.168.54.25, IPv4; or 2001:db8:1f70::999:de8:7648:6e8, IPv6). However, when we launch a favorite browser
to buy a new hard drive or send an email, we do not type lengthy, hard to remember numerical addresses.
Instead, we use company names,
, or email addresses, [email protected]. The domain names in
these examples are “lacie.com” or ”@lacie.com”. The server manages the tie between the IP address it requires
for a network identity and the domain name for communication.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) -
Broadband data transmitted digitally over telephone wires. The local
telephone company provides a service that includes Internet, telephone, and, for some, cable television. For
access to the Internet, telephone companies generally provide an adapter or DSL modem for connection to a
computer via Ethernet.
Dynamic DNS -
This moves DNS hosting a bit further as it provides access to domain names hosted on servers
with varying (hence, dynamic) IP addresses. This means that web sites are not forced to maintain a single IP
address, but can be managed within a network that uses DHCP to assign an identity. The Dynamic DNS host is
smart enough to read the domain name and find the IP address to which it belongs. Dynamic DNS is a great tool
for accessing home network servers, such as the LaCie product, from anywhere outside the home.
Dynamic Port Forwarding -
Allows applications to use SOCKS servers on local ports for network
communication and Internet access. This can be very convenient as it will avoid having to configure port
forwarding each time an application is used. The SOCKS is configured on a server to route traffic while the
application, such as a web browser, is assigned a SOCKS in its preferences.
External Port -
This port deals with requests outside the LAN, working with the NAT (network address
translation) to convert external IP addresses and port numbers to addresses that will be accepted inside the
network.
Firewall -
One or more programs that act in concert with the gateway server to protect the computers and
systems within a network.
LaPlug User Manual
LaCie
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