| A | B |
|---|
| VPN | Virtual Private Network. A private network that is configured within a public network. |
| DNS | Domain Name System. Name resolution software that lets users locate computers on a UNIX network or the Internet (TCP/IP network) by domain name. |
| Hub | A central connecting device in a network that joins communications lines together in a star configuration. |
| 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, such as Ethernet and Token Ring. |
| Brouter | Bridge Router. A device that acts as both a bridge and a router. |
| Gateway | A computer that performs protocol conversion between different types of networks or applications. |
| RJ-45 | Registered Jack-45. A telephone connector that holds up to eight wires. RJ-45 plugs and sockets are used in Ethernet and Token Ring Type 3 devices. |
| Cat5 | Category 5. A type of cable that has transfer rates of up to 100Mbps. |
| BNC Connector | Bayonet Neill-Concelman or British Naval Connector. A commonly used plug and socket for audio, video and networking applications. |
| Fiber-Optic Cable | A thin glass strand designed for light transmission. A single hair-thin fiber is capable of transmitting trillions of bits per second. |
| 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 | Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A communications protocol developed under contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to internetwork dissimilar systems. |
| IP Address | Internet Protocol address. The address of a computer attached to a TCP/IP network. |
| IPX | Internetwork Packet EXchange. A NetWare communications protocol used to route messages from one node to another. |
| SPX | Sequenced Packet EXchange. The NetWare communications protocol used to control the transport of messages across a network. |
| NetBEUI | NetBIOS Extended User Interface. Pronounced "net-booey." The transport layer for NetBIOS. |
