16
Appendix C: Glossary
PowerLine Ethernet Bridge
Buffer
- A shared or assigned memory area that is used to support and coordinate different computing and
networking activities so one isn't held up by the other.
Byte
- A unit of data that is usually eight bits long
Cable Modem
- A device that connects a computer to the cable television network, which in turn connects to the
Internet.
CSMA/CA
(
C
arrier
S
ense
M
ultiple
A
ccess/
C
ollision
A
voidance) - A method of data transfer that is used to prevent
data collisions.
CTS
(
C
lear
T
o
S
end) - A signal sent by a wireless device, signifying that it is ready to receive data.
Daisy Chain
- A method used to connect devices in a series, one after the other.
Database
- A collection of data that is organized so that its contents can easily be accessed, managed, and
updated.
DDNS
(
D
ynamic
D
omain
N
ame
S
ystem) - Allows the hosting of a website, FTP server, or e-mail server with a
fixed domain name (e.g., www.xyz.com) and a dynamic IP address.
Default Gateway
- A device that forwards Internet traffic from your local area network.
DHCP
(
D
ynamic
H
ost
C
onfiguration
P
rotocol) - A networking protocol that allows administrators to assign
temporary IP addresses to network computers by "leasing" an IP address to a user for a limited amount of time,
instead of assigning permanent IP addresses.
DMZ
(
D
e
m
ilitarized
Z
one) - Removes the Router's firewall protection from one PC, allowing it to be "seen" from
the Internet.
DNS
(
D
omain
N
ame
S
erver) - The IP address of your ISP's server, which translates the names of websites into IP
addresses.
Domain
- A specific name for a network of computers.
Download
- To receive a file transmitted over a network.
DSL
(
D
igital
S
ubscriber
L
ine) - An always-on broadband connection over traditional phone lines.
DSSS
(
D
irect-
S
equence
S
pread-
S
pectrum) - Frequency transmission with a redundant bit pattern resulting in a
lower probability of information being lost in transit.
