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Appendix B: Glossary
Network Optimizer for Gaming and VoIP
Appendix B: Glossary
This glossary contains some basic networking terms you may come across when using this product. For more
advanced terms, see the complete Linksys glossary at http://www.linksys.com/glossary.
Bandwidth
- The transmission capacity of a given device or network.
Bit
- A binary digit.
Boot
- To start a device and cause it to start executing instructions.
Broadband
- An always-on, fast Internet connection.
Browser
- An application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the
World Wide Web.
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.
Daisy Chain
- A method used to connect devices in a series, one after the other.
DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System)
- 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
(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - 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 (Demilitarized Zone)
- Removes the Router's firewall protection from one PC, allowing it to be “seen” from
the Internet.
DNS (Domain Name Server)
- 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 (Digital Subscriber Line)
- An always-on broadband connection over traditional phone lines.
Dynamic IP Address
- A temporary IP address assigned by a DHCP server.
