Apple AirPort Networks - Manual (Page 66)

66 Glossary
channel One portion of the available radio spectrum that all devices on a wireless
network use to communicate. Changing the channel on the access point/router can
help reduce interference.
client Any computer or device connected to a network that requests files and services
(files, print capability) from the server or other devices on the network. The term also
refers to end users.
DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol for dynamically assigning IP
addresses from a predefined list to nodes on a network. When they log on, network
nodes automatically receive an IP address from a pool of addresses served by a DHCP.
The DHCP server provides (or leases) an IP address to a client for a specific period of
time. The client will automatically request a renewal of the lease when the lease is
about to run out. If a lease renewal is not requested and it expires, the address is
returned to the pool of available IP addresses. Using DHCP to manage IP addresses
simplifies client configuration and efficiently utilizes IP addresses. See IP address.
DNS Domain Name System. An Internet service that translates alphanumeric domain
names to assigned IP addresses and vice versa. The term is typically used to describe
the server that makes the translation. Every website has its own specific IP address on
the Internet. DNS typically refers to a database of Internet names and addresses that
translates the alphanumeric names to the official Internet Protocol numbers and vice
versa. For instance, a DNS server converts a name like mywebsite.com to a series of
numbers like 107.22.55.26. See IP, IP address.
DSL Digital Subscriber Line. A dedicated digital circuit between a residence or
business and a telephone company’s central office. It allows high-speed data, voice,
and video transmissions over existing twisted-pair copper plain old telephone service
(POTS) telephone wires. See broadband.
dual-band A device that is capable of operating in either of two frequencies. On a
wireless network, dual-band devices are capable of operating in the 2.4 GHz (802.11b/g)
or 5 GHz (802.11a) bands.
encryption A mechanism for providing data confidentiality. See WPA, WPA2.
Ethernet The most popular international standard technology for wired local area
networks (LANs). It provides from 10 Mbps transmission speeds on basic 10Base-T
Ethernet networks to 100 Mbps transmission speeds on Fast Ethernet networks, 1000
Mbps on Gigabit Ethernet, and 10,000 Mbps on 10 Gigabit Ethernet.