| A | B |
|---|
| VPN | A private network that is configured within a public network |
| DNS | maps a TCP/IP number to a more easily remembered name |
| hub | a central connection point - a device that connects multiple computers in a network |
| repeater | A communications device that amplifies (analog) or regenerates (digital) the data signal in order to extend the transmission distance |
| bridge | A device that connects two LAN segments together, which may be of similar or dissimilar types |
| brouter | A communications device that provides the functions of a bridge and router |
| gateway | A computer that acts as a go-between two or more networks that use the same protocols |
| RJ-45 | A telephone connector that holds up to eight wires |
| Cat 5 | Category 5 describes network cabling that consists of four twisted pairs of copper wire terminated by RJ45 connectors. Cat-5 cabling supports frequencies up to 100 MHz and speeds up to 1000 Mbps |
| BNC connector | A commonly used plug and socket for audio, video and networking applications |
| fiber-optic cable | A technology that uses glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves |
| network adapter | A printed circuit board that plugs into both the clients (personal computers or workstations) and servers and controls the exchange of data between them |
| half duplex | The transmission of data in both directions, but only one direction at a time |
| full duplex | Transmitting and receiving simultaneously |
| TCP/IP | A communications protocol developed under contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to internetwork dissimilar systems |
| IP address | The address of a computer attached to a TCP/IP network |
| IPX | A NetWare communications protocol used to route messages from one node to another |
| SPX | The NetWare communications protocol used to control the transport of messages across a network |
| NetBEUI | The transport layer for NetBIOS |
