Quick Glossary of Network Terms
Network – Group of computers connected together in a way that lets information be exchanged between the computers.
Local Area Network (LAN) – Network of computers in the same physical location, usually within a building or campus.
Wide Area Network (WAN) – Used when the computers in the network are far apart, as in different cities.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) – Provides a direct connection between the LAN or WAN to the World Wide Web.
Internet Protocol (IP) Address – IP assigns a unique identifier to all computers and other devices connected to the Internet.
Node – Anything connected to the network. Although a node is often a computer, it can also be a printer or an IP Camera.
Segment – Any part of a network that is separated by a hub, switch, bridge or router from another part of the network.
Hub – Connection point for devices in a network. Acts like a traffic cop regulating the flow of cars (or packets of information).
Switch – Like a cloverleaf intersection at the hub; each car takes an entrance ramp to where they want to go without stopping or slowing down.
Bridge – Connects two LANs or two segments of the same LAN using the same protocol, such as Ethernet or Token-Ring.
Router – forwards data packets along networks. They connect at least two networks, usually LANs, WANs or a LAN and its ISP’s network.
Network Interface Card (NIC) – Every computer and most other devices, including IP Cameras, are connected to the network through an NIC. Often, this is an Ethernet card; you’ll find the slot on the back of your computer.
Media Access Control (MAC) Address – Physical address of any device on the network. It identifies the company that made the NIC as well as the serial number of the specific NIC.
« ACTi ACM-4201 1.3 Megapixel IP Cube Camera with PoE | Home | InscapeData AirEther SB54 Long Range 802.11 a/b/g Wireless Bridge »
Leave a Comment