| A | B |
|---|
| VPN | Virtual Private Network, A private network that is configured within a public network, security of a private network via access control and encryption |
| 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, . the DNS server maintains a database of domain names |
| Hub | Hubs are widely used in Ethernet and Token Ring networks. Passive hubs are just connecting units that add nothing to the data passing through them. Active hubs, also sometimes called "multiport repeaters |
| 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. A bridge is inserted into a network to segment it and keep traffic contained within the segments to improve performance. |
| brouter | A communications device that provides the functions of a bridge and router. |
| gateway | A computer that performs protocol conversion between different types of networks or applicationsGateways function at layer 4 and above in the OSI model |
| 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 |
| cat 5 | The majority of new wiring installations use Category 5 UTP wire in order to be able to run or upgrade to the faster network technologies that will require it |
| BNC Connector | (Bayonet Neill-Concelman or British Naval Connector) A commonly used plug and socket for audio, video and networking applications. BNCs connect two-wire coaxial cable (signal and ground) using a bayonet mount |
| fiber optic cables | There are numerous types of plugs and sockets to connect optical fibers, using threaded, bayonet, push-pull and snap-lock connections. |
| 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. The network adapter provides services at the data link level of the network, which is also known as the "access method" (OSI layers 1 and 2). |
| half duplex | The transmission of data in both directions, but only one direction at a time. Two-way radio was the first to use half-duplex, for example, while one party spoke, the other party listened |
| full duplex | Transmitting and receiving simultaneously. In pure digital networks, this is achieved with two pairs of wires. In analog networks or in digital networks using carriers, it is achieved by dividing the bandwidth of the line into two frequencies, one for sending, the other for receiving. |
| TCP/IP | (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) A communications protocol developed under contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to internetwork dissimilar systems. Invented by Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn, this de facto UNIX standard is the protocol of the Internet and has become the global standard for communications. |
| IP Address | Internet Protocol address) The address of a computer attached to a TCP/IP network. Every client and server station must have a unique IP address. Client workstations have either a permanent address or one that is dynamically assigned to them each dial-up session |
| IPX | (Internetwork Packet EXchange) A NetWare communications protocol used to route messages from one node to another. IPX packets include network addresses and can be routed from one network to another. An IPX packet can occasionally get lost when crossing networks, thus IPX does not guarantee delivery of a complete message |
| SPX | (Sequenced Packet EXchange) The NetWare communications protocol used to control the transport of messages across a network. SPX ensures that an entire message arrives intact and uses NetWare's IPX protocol as its delivery mechanism. |
| NetBEUI | (NetBIOS Extended User Interface) Pronounced "net-booey." The transport layer for NetBIOS. NetBIOS and NetBEUI were originally part of a single protocol suite that was later separated. NetBIOS sessions can be transported over NetBEUI, TCP/IP and SPX/IPX protocols. |
