Glossary
AT&T Plug&Share
™
Wireless PCI Adapter 22 Mbps Turbo 6500B4X
33
Firewall
Firewalls are methods used to keep networks secure from intruders and unauthorized access. Firewalls
use filters to prevent unwanted data from being transmitted to and/or from a local network. Firewalls are
typically used to prevent outsiders from accessing your private data resources and for controlling what
outside (WAN) resources your users can access.
Firmware
Firmware refers to memory chips that retain their content without electrical power (for example, BIOS
ROM). The router firmware stores all of the router administration settings.
Fragmentation
Refers to the breaking up of data packets during transmission.
FTP
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used to transfer files over a TCP/IP network, and is typically used for
transferring large files or uploading the HTML pages for a web site to the web server.
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 Transfer 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://” (for example,
http://www.somedomainname.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 network.
Every client and server station must have a unique IP address. Clients are assigned either a permanent
address or have one dynamically assigned to them via DHCP. IP addresses are written as four sets of
numbers separated by periods (for example, 211.23.181.189).
ISP
An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is an organization providing Internet access service via modems,
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), private lines or other means.
LAN
LANs (Local Area Networks) are networks that serve users within specific geographical areas, such as
your home or in a company building. LANs consist of a group of computers and related devices that
share a common communication link (wired and/or wireless). A LAN allows you to share data and
resources among the devices on the LAN.
