Gateway
The device, usually a router, that connects devices on a given IP subnet
to other IP subnets.
Headend
The "central office" in an HFC network. The headend houses both video
and data equipment. In larger cable networks, a "master" headend often
feeds several "remote" headends to provide distributed services.
HTTP
HyperText Transfer Protocol.
Hub
A box with several Ethernet connectors. Ethernet hubs provide a
common point of contact for all connected devices.
IP address
A number assigned to your computer by your service provider, used to
identify your computer to other systems on the Internet.
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network. A digital telephony standard that
provides communication speeds about twice as fast as standard dialup.
LAN
Local Area Network. A network that allows computers in a single location
(such as a building) to communicate with one another.
LED
Light Emitting Diode. A semi-conductor diode that emits light when
current is passed through it.
MAC address
A number that uniquely identifies any device connected to a network.
Your service provider uses your Data Gateway's MAC address to
authorize access to the Internet. The MAC address is printed on a label
affixed to your Data Gateway.
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 service provider 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 2-conductor modular connector, commonly used in North
America for connecting telephones.
RJ-45
A standard 8-conductor 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 Data Gateway. You can buy a splitter
from any electronics retailer and most discount stores.
SSID
Service Set IDentifier. A string of text (up to 32 characters long) that
uniquely identifies a wireless LAN.
Appendix A: Glossary
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