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Appendix C Glossary
Authentication
Authentication refers to the verification of a transmitted message's integrity.
DHCP
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) software automatically assigns IP addresses to
client stations logging onto a TCP/IP network, which eliminates the need to manually assign
permanent IP addresses.
DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS converts machine names to the IP addresses that
all machines on the net have. It translates from name to address and from address to name.
Domain Name
The domain name typically refers to an Internet site address.
Firmware
Firmware refers to memory chips that retain their content without electrical power (for example,
BIOS ROM). The router firmware stores settings made in the interface.
Gateway
Gateways are computers that convert protocols enabling different networks, applications, and
operating systems to exchange information.
Host Name
The name given to a computer or client station that acts as a source for information on the
network.
HTTP
HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol) is the communications protocol used to connect to
servers on the World Wide Web. HTTP establishes a connection with a Web server and
transmits HTML pages to client browser (for example Windows IE). HTTP addresses all begin
with the prefix 'http://' prefix (for example,
http://www.yahoo.com
).
ICMP
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is a TCP/IP protocol used to send error and control
messages over the LAN (for example, it is used by the router to notify a message sender that
the destination node is not available).
IP
IP (Internet Protocol) is the protocol in the TCP/IP communications protocol suite that contains
a network address and allows messages to be routed to a different network or subnet.
However, IP does not ensure delivery of a complete message—TCP provides the function of
ensuring delivery.
IP Address
The IP (Internet Protocol) address refers to the address of a computer attached to a TCP/IP
