Chapter 6 Glossary
Default Gateway (Router):
Every non-router IP device needs to configure a default gateway’s IP address.
When the device sends out an IP packet, if the destination is not on the same network, the device has to
send the packet to its default gateway, which will then send it out towards the destination.
DHCP:
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol automatically gives every computer on the
home network an IP address.
DNS Server IP Address:
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which allows Internet servers to have a
domain name (such as www.Broadbandrouter.com) and one or more IP addresses (such as 192.34.45.8).
A DNS server keeps a database of Internet servers and their respective domain names and IP addresses,
so that when a domain name is requested, the user is sent to the proper IP address. The DNS server IP
address used by the computers on the home network is the location of the DNS server assigned by the
ISP.
DSL Modem:
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. A DSL modem uses the existing phone lines to
transmit data at high speeds.
Ethernet:
A standard for computer networks. Ethernet networks are connected by special cables and
hubs, and move data around at up to 10/100 million bits per second (Mbps).
Idle Timeout:
Idle Timeout is designed so that when there is no traffic to the Internet for a pre-configured
amount of time, the connection will automatically be disconnected.
IP Address and Network (Subnet) Mask:
IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP address consists of a
series of four numbers separated by periods that identifies a single, unique Internet computer host in an IP
network. Example: 192.168.2.1. It consists of 2 portions: the IP network address, and the host identifier.
ISP Gateway Address:
(see ISP for definition). The ISP Gateway Address is an IP address for the
Internet router located at the ISP's office.
ISP:
Internet Service Provider. An ISP is a business that provides connectivity to the Internet for
individuals and other businesses or organizations.
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