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Appendix b glossary – GIGABYTE GN-WM01GT User Manual

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Appendix B

Glossary

ADSL

Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) is a new modem technology that converts existing twisted-pair
telephone lines into access paths for high-speed communication of various sorts.

Auto-MDI/MDIX

On a network hub or switch, an auto-MDI/MDIX port automatically senses if it needs to act as a MDI or MDIX
port. The auto- MDI/MDIX capability eliminates the need for crossover cables.

Auto-negotiate

To automatically determine the correct setting. The term is often used with communications and networking

DHCP

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an Internet protocol for automating the configuration of
computers that use TCP/IP. DHCP can be used to automatically assign IP addresses, to deliver TCP/IP
stack configuration parameters such as the subnet mask and default router, and to provide other
configuration information such as the addresses for printer, time and news servers.

DMZ

In computer networks, a DMZ (demilitarized zone) is a computer host or small network inserted as a "neutral
zone" between a company's private network and the outside public network. It prevents outside users from
getting direct access to a server that stores company data. Typically, the DMZ contains devices accessible
to Internet traffic, such as Web (HTTP) servers, FTP servers, SMTP (e-mail) servers and DNS servers.

DNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a distributed Internet directory service. DNS is used mostly to translate
between domain names and IP addresses, and to control Internet email delivery. Most Internet services rely
on DNS to work. If DNS fails, web sites cannot be located and email delivery service will be suspended.

Dynamic IP Address

An IP address is automatically assigned to a user’s AP in a TCP/IP network typically by a DHCP server.

Firewall

A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be
implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to
prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially
intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each
message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.

Gateway

A device, usually a Router, that connects hosts on a local network to other networks.

IP Address

Every PC on the Internet has a unique identifying number, called an IP Address. A typical IP address looks
like this: 216.27.61.137

IPSec

IPSec stands for IP Security. It provides authentication and encryption over the Internet. It functions at Layer
3 and thus secures everything on the network. It has become a standard protocol used for virtual private
networks (VPNs).

MAC Address

On a local area network (LAN) or other network, the MAC (Media Access Control) address is your
computer's unique hardware number. Usually written as: 01:23:45:67:89:ab

MTU

The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.

NAT

A technique by which several hosts share a single IP address for accessing to the Internet.