CM550 Cable Modem User’s Guide
LAN
Local Area Network. A network that allows computers in a single location
(such as a building) to communicate with one another.
MAC address
A number that uniquely identifies any device connected to a network. Your
cable company uses your Cable Modem’s MAC address to authorize access
to the Internet. The MAC address is printed on a label on the bottom of
your Cable Modem.
Protocol
A set of rules and formats that determines the communication behavior of
network entities at a given layer.
Proxy
A device or program that stands in between a server (for example, a web
site) and a client (your browser), providing a way to relieve some of the
burden from the server. For example, your cable company may have a web
proxy that keeps copies of popular web pages; the proxy can send you
those pages instead of fetching them directly from the web site, resulting
in faster page loading and less network congestion.
RF
Abbreviation for Radio Frequency. Some literature refers to coax as “RF
cable” and the connectors as “RF connectors.”
RJ-11
A standard 4-pin modular connector, commonly used in North America for
connecting telephones.
RJ-45
A standard 6-pin modular connector, commonly used on Ethernet cable. An
RJ-45 connector looks like a wide RJ-11 (telephone) connector.
Splitter
A small box with three cable connectors: one input and two outputs. You
may need a splitter if you have a TV already connected to the cable outlet
that you want to use for your Cable Modem. You can buy a splitter from
any electronics retailer and most discount stores.
