Reference Guide for the Model RT311 and RT314 Internet Access Gateway Routers
2
Glossary
masquerading
A technique by which several hosts share a single IP address for access to the
Internet. This process is an extension of Network Address Translator (NAT).
See also Network Address Translator.
Maximum Receive
Unit
The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.
Most Significant Bit or
Most Significant Byte
The portion of a number, address, or field that is farthest left when written as a
single number in conventional hexadecimal ordinary notation. The part of the
number having the most value.
NAT
See Network Address Translator.
netmask
A number that explains which part of an IP address comprises the network
address and which part is the host address on that network. It can be
expressed in dotted-decimal notation or as a number appended to the IP
address. For example, a 28-bit mask starting from the MSB can be shown as
255.255.255.192 or as /28 appended to the IP address.
Network Address
Translator
(or Translation)
A proposal for IP address reuse, where the local IP address is mapped to a
globally unique address. See also masquerading.
numbered links
See unnumbered links.
PPP
See Point-to-Point Protocol.
PPP over Ethernet
PPPoE. PPP over Ethernet is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the
Internet over an always-on connection by simulating a dial-up connection.
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network.
Point-to-Point
Protocol
PPP. A protocol allowing a computer using TCP/IP to connect directly to the
Internet.
RFC
Request For Comment. Refers to documents published by the Internet
Engineering Task Force (IETF) proposing standard protocols and procedures
for the Internet. RFCs can be found at www.ietf.org.
RIP
See Routing Information Protocol.
Routing Information
Protocol
A protocol in which routers periodically exchange information with one
another so that they can determine minimum distance paths between sources
and destinations.
subnet mask
See netmask.