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Network Definitions

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©2005 - material compiled by Bob Carnaghi, www.webpointmorpheus.com

Overview     Top of Page

This page is a collection of definitions of terms that are specific to Computer Networking. The intent of this collection of definitions is to make available in one place the terms that are specifically about networking. There may be some definitions here that are not obvious to networking, and some definitions that got left behind. The DNS page has a collection of terms specific to DNS workings.

Network Definitions     Top of Page

Adaptive Equalization: A method of sampling and evaluating data from a telephone network to compensate for intersymbol interference.

ADSL: Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line. A type of digital transfer that is possible through telephone lines. Distance restriction of about 18,000 feet (±3 miles).

Algorithm: A certain methodology or set of steps/procedures for solving a problem.

AM: Amplitude Modulation. A method of transferring data that imposes the data onto a carrier wave such that the amplitude of the carrier is directly proportional to the data frequency.

Antivirus Software: Installed software to protect and rid a computer of known viruses.

Apache: A very popular open-source web server software.

Application Layer: The layer of the OSI Model that is the interface of the model to the user. Layer 7 of the OSI Model.

ARP: Address Resolution Protocol. A WAN routing protocol that resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses.

ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A terminal code of used to produce 128 unique chaacters, typically found on a keyboard.

Asynchronous: A method of data transmission that separates the packets with start and stop bits. Contrast to Synchronous.

ATM: Asynchronous Transfer Mode. A specification for the transfer of data, voice, and video defined in cells that guarantee reliable transmission.

Atmospheric Noise: The interference upon a signal by natural causes such as lightning and sunspot activity.

AUI: Attachment Unit Interface. A transceiver used in Thicknet (10Base5) systems; uses 15pin DB connectors (DIX).

Attenuation: Weakening of a signal.

Authoritative DNS Server: A server in the DNS chain of connections that holds the actual information regarding a webserver or IP address. Contrast to Caching DNS Server.

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Backbone: The main or trunk line of a network. Subnetworks branch from the Backbone.

Bandwidth: A range of frequencies capable of tansferring data. The more the bandwidth, the more channels for transmitting and receiving data.

Baseband: Describes the capability of a wire or transmission medium to carry only one signal at any given instant. Baseband typically only operates at data rates less than 10MHz.

Baseline: A statistical or operational 'shapshot' of the normal function parameters of a network.

BSC: Binary Synchronous Communication. A protocol for data transfer where the data field varies in multiples of 128 bytes.

Baud Rate: A measure of the number of data symbols transferred. Typically the Baud Rate is calculated by dividing the number of bits per second by the number of bits per symbol. Baud = (bits-per-second / N)

Baudot: A character code with a 5-bit base capable of 32 characters. The pre-cursor to ASCII.

Binding: The act of assigning a protocol to a NIC.

Bindery: A database type security and account management tool used by NetWARE.

Bit-Level Protocol: Protocols that achieve synchronization at the bit level. See HDLC & SDLC.

Bit Rate: The frequency or 'bit-per-second' rate of data flow.

Bluetooth: A short distance networking technology that uses infrared light frequencies.

Bootp: Bootstrap Protocol. Defines how to determine the IP address at boot time assigned to a diskless system which has been bootstrapped. The IP is usually assigned from a remote server.

Bootstrapping: See Bootp.

Bottleneck: The point where data communication stops or slows dramatically. Typically, the 'pinch-point' that is the weak link in data flow due to narrow communication channels, faulty equipment, incapable software, overloaded systems, etc.

Bridge: A networking hardware device that connects LANs of different access protocols. Operates at Layer 2 of the OSI, independent of Layer 3 protocols.

Broadband: Describes the capablity of a wire or transmission medium to carry multiple signals at any given instant. Typically operated at a frequency greater than 10 MHz.

Broadcast: A packet of information that is sent to all the nodes on a network. The typical broadcast address is 255.255.255.255.

Broadcast Request: A broadcast packet that asks for critical information from all the nodes on a network, such as a certain machine's MAC address, etc.

Brouter: A hardware unit that is a combination Bridge & Router.

Buffer Overflow: A critical condition where a system receives more data into temporary storage than it can hold.

Bus Topology: A network scheme where each node is connected to a common bus or channel.

Busy Signal: A specific signal applied to a phone line to indicate that the line is occupied.

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Cable Tester: Equipment used in network troubleshooting capable of determining open, shorted, or properly working devices.

Centralized Network: A network in which remote or attached nodes are forbidden to make changes to the network configuration.

CHAP: Challenge Handshake Authenticataion Protocol. Used with PPP to verify authentication and identity during connections between computers.

Cheapernet: A working term that describes 10Base2 Ethernets that use RG-58 coax cable.

Cipher Text: Encrypted plain text.

Circuit Switching: A connection type that has a dedicated channel between sender and receiver.

Class-A IP Address: Networks with the first 3 digits numbered 1-126.

Class-B IP Address: Networks with the first 3 digits numbered 128-191.

Class-C IP Address: Networks with the first 3 digits numbered 192-223.

Coaxial: A cable used for data transmission with two conductors that are evenly spaced from a common center axis. Typically uses a polyethylene jacket for insulation.

Collision: A state of conflict during transmission where packets of information attempt to coexist on the transmission medium.

Collision Domain: a set of Ethernet segments that receive all traffic generated by any node within those segments.

Comanche: A graphical user program for administrating Apache servers.

Concentrator: An interface between the stations on a network to connect segments on a backbone.

Connection Oriented Transport: A network or transmission that guarantees delivery between sender and reciever.

Connectionless Transport: A network or transmission where there is no guarantee of delivery between sender and receiver.

Crossover Cable: A cable specifically designed to interconnect routers or other network hardware devices to expand their capabilities.

Crossover Port: A dedicated port on a router or network device that expands the network capability by linking directly to another network router or device. May also be seen as crossover, uplink, in port, out port

Crosstalk: A type of signal noise that is associated with Twisted Pair cable. Typically occurs in conditions where the cables lie in close proximity and parallel to each other.

Cryptography: The practice of encoding messages for secrecy.

CRC: Cyclic Redundancy Check. An error-checking technique based upon convolutional coding of a data stream.

CSMA/CD: Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection. A method used to verify that a network is clear for transmission of data. This method sends packets of data, then checks to see if there is a collision. Does not check the wire prior to the initial transmission. Typically associated with Ethernet.

CSMA/CA: Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance. A method used to verify that a network is clear for transmission of data. This method checks the wire for activity before actually sending the data. Typically associated with Wireless.

CSU/DSU: Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit. A unit that connects the leased line from the telephone company to a customer's equipment, typically used in a business setting.

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Data Analyzer: A type of test equipment that can identify and define data rates, protocols, bit rates and sizes, etc. Software types of data analyzers are also called Sniffers.

Data Compression: The method of encoding data so that it occupies less space or bandwidth.

Data Link Layer: OSI Model Layer 2, which provides point-to-point exchanges for frame formatting, error control, and network access functions. Subdivided into the LLC & MAC sub-layers.

DES: Data Encryption Stnadard. An encryption standard that uses a 56 bit key to derive 48 bit keys to encrypt 64 bit blocks of plain text. DES is the official encryption technique of the National Bureau of Standards.

Data Rate: A measure of the rate of transfer at which data is moved through or along a medium. Typically in bps (bits per second) or Mbps (Mega bits per second.)

Database: A collected and grouped accumulation of data, stored in a computer or other digital media.

Datagram: The unit of TCP/IP data transfer with a 65,535 byte maximum limit.

DCE: Data Communication Equipment. A modem or similar device.

Decibel: A criteria for measuring signal noise, loss, or gain. Uses a logarithmic scale.

Decryption: The process of recovering encrypted information from a transmission. The opposite of encryption.

Default Gateway: An access point to other networks. Does not necessarily refer to a physical device.

Digital Loopback Test: The method of checking a modem that will check both the local and remote modems, as well as the connection between them.

Distortion: The amount of noise that is inherent in a signal.

Distributed Network: A network with decentralized administration.

DNS: Domain Name System or Service. A database setup that maps host names to IP addresses.

Domain: A grouping of similar objects or subsystems.

DTE: Data Terminal Equipment. A computer or other device with the function of manipulating data.

DTMF: Dual Tone Multi Frequency. A method of tone dialing that uses blended tones generated from a 12 button keypad.

Duplexing: The practice used in RAID systems of dedicating a hard drive controller per hard drive.

DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuraion Protocol. A protocol that assigns IP addresses on a neetwork based upon connectivity.

Dynamic Routing: Routers that share routing tables and other information.

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EBCDIC: A terminal code that is formed with 8 bits, capable of 2⁸ or 256 characters.

EIA: Electronics Industry Association. A trade organization responsible for developing standards.

EMI: Electro Magnetic Interference. An undesirable type of signal bleeding from one system or transmission to another.

Encryption: The cryptographic process of encoding and secretizing data.

Environmental Factors: The characteristics that make up the ambient physical conditions of network equipment, such as heat, humidity, EMI, security considerations, etc.

Ethernet: The most popular bus-type network structure in use today. Standardized by IEEE 802.3.

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Fault Analysis: Methods of identifying and isolating errors and malfunctions.

Fault Tolerance: The capablity of a system to continue to function despite partial failure of the system.

FDDI: Fiber Distributed Data Interface. An optical cable capable of transmissions in the 100 Mbps range.

FDMA: Frequency Division Multiple Access. A multiplexing technique that divides channel bandwidth into specific units that are available to users. AM & FM radio, TV, etc.

Fiber Optics: A method of data transmission that involves transferring data through light waves. Noted for high data transmission rates and wide bandwidth.

File Server: A dedicated server that centralizes administration of file sharing on a LAN.

FTP: File Transfer Protocol. An Application Layer (Layer 7) protocol for transferring files between computers.

Folder Replication: A backup scheme where an entire section of the file system is copied from one computer to another.

Forward Lookup Zone: A DNS approach to resolving Host Names to IP addresses. The Forward Lookup Zone is that range of IP addresses that a specific DNS server is responsible for.

Fractional T1: A portion of a T1 line that is leased by a small or medium-sized company.

Frame: A collection of fields in a packet or datagram that contain link control, management, and user information.

Frame Relay: A packet switched communication network that has a variable length data field.

FDMA: Frequency Division Multiple Access. A satellite transmission protocol that allocates the total bandwidth to several transponders.

FDM: Frequency Division Multiplexing. A method of dividing bandwidth among several channels.

FM: Frequency Modulation. A method of transposing data onto a carrier wave by varying the carrier at the frequency of the data.

Frequency Noise: Noise that is typically generated by the presence of a certain frequency, such as the 60 Hz AC hum.

FSK: Frequency Shift Keying. A method of modulation often used with modems that shifts the phase of the carrier at a rate that represents a logical 1 or 0.

Full Duplex: A communication scheme where data can be transmitted in both directions simultaneously. Capable of transmitting and receiving at the same time.

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Gateway: a device that serves as a single point of connection between two networks.

Groups: A logical orginazional unit of users by administrators on a network or domain based upon common permission needs.

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Half Duplex: A communication scheme that provides for transfer of data first in one direction, then in the other, but not in both at the same time.

HDLC: High-level Data Link Control. The ISO OSI Layer 2 official bit-oriented protocol.

Horizontal Cabling: Term used to describe the physical layout of wiring, nodes, and connections within a building's network system.

Handshake: The initial dialog between data carrying stations that establishes the parameters of the link.

Hardware Loopback: The 'ping' utility which checks connectivity between hosts.

Header: The fields of a data frame that do not contain user information. Headers are necessary for reliable data communication, but add a certain amount of overhead to the transmission.

Host: A computer on a network that has been assigned an IP address.

HTTP: Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. The file protocol widely used to render web pages on the Internet, as well as in other settings.

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Internet Protocol: The protocol that operates at the Netwrok layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite and routes packets of information between computers.

IPX/SPX: Novell Netware network protocol suite.

ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network. A digital carrier line.

IEEE 802 Standards: A series of standards that define data transmission protocols for the Physical and Data Link Layers of the OSI model.

1. 802.1 - High-Level Interface
2. 802.2 - Logical Link Interface
3. 802.3 - CSMA/CD
4. 802.4 - Token Bus
5. 802.5 - Token Ring
6. 802.6 - MAN Standards
7. 802.7 - Broadband LAN Standards
8. 802.8 - Fiber Optics
9. 802.9 - Integrated Voice Data

Impulse Noise: An undesired signal that originates from motors, relays, generators, gas engines, ignitions systems, etc.

Internet: The largest WAN in existence with controlled access. Used for information, education, and commerce exchange.

ISO: International Standards Organization. A body for establishing agreements upon protocols and standards for industry.

IP: Internet Protocol. A Layer 3 protocol that is used on the Internet. A connectionless protocol.

Intersymbol Interference: A blurring of data symbols brought about by distributed channel reactance.

Iteration:

1. The act of processing a certain set of steps or method through its outlined algorithm.
2. Sisteen rounds of ciphering in DES (Data Encryption Standard).

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Key: A parameter of an encryption code used in certain types of cryptography to uniquely identify, encrypt, and decrypt data.

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LAN: Local Area Network. A grouped collection of networked computers in close proximity using the same protocol.

LAPB: Link Access Protocol Balanced. A subset of HDLC used with the X.25 protocol networks.

LocalTalk: An Apple network protocol.

Load Balancing: The method of distributing network processes evenly across several machines.

Loopback Test: A series of tests that verify operation of local and remote modems as well as their connection.

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MAC Address: Media Access Control Address. A unique 48-bit number (address) permanently assigned to every NIC that is manufactured.

Maximum Port Speed: A setting for a modem that allows for maximum data transfer.

Media: The description of physical connection types: UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair), STP (Shielded Twisted Pair), coax, fiber optic, microwave, etc.

MAU: Media Access Unit. A network hardware device that acts like a hub typically used on 10Base2 networks with coaxial cable.

Mesh: A type of network topology. In a true mesh, each node has a direct connection to every other node on the network.

Microwave: A type of radio media used with satellite transmissions.

Mirroring: A RAID method for writing data to disk wherein the data is written (mirrored) to two disks.

Modem: MOdulator/DEModualtor. A device that turns analog phone line signals into digital computer signals, and vice versa, for transmission across telephone lines.

Moulation: The process of imposing data onto some type of carrier for transmission.

Multiplexing: The practice of transmitting more than one signal at a time.

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Name Binding Protocol (NBP): Used on Apple computers for networking.

Name Resolution: The systematic accounting for the location of a specific node on a network by reconciling IP address, physical address, and Domain Name.

NAT: Network Address Translation. The process of a gateway/router translating a single IP address to an internal network address, and forwarding traffic accordingly.

Networking: the sharing of resources between computers in a comprehensible manner.

Network: A grouping of computers for sharing of resoruces.

Network Layer: Layer 3 of the OSI Model. The layer that maps a data route between nodes.

NetBEUI: A non-routable Microsoft network protocol suite that uses NetBios at the Session layer and NetBEUI at the transport layer.

NetBios: The Session layer protocol used in NetBEUI.

NIC: Network Interface Card. The actual physical hardware in the computer from which network access is established. Works at the Data Link and Physical layers of the OSI. Examples: Ethernet Card or Network card.

Node: A device on a network.

Noise: Interference of an undesirable nature that interferes with and distorts the data signal.

Nonroutable Protocol: A protocol that lacks enough information in the packet header to permit forwarding.

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OSI: Open System Interconnect - A model of layering tasks that defines the specific actions to be undertaken at each step of data transmission between hosts on a network.

Overhead: Vital information about addressing, error control, etc. included in a transported packet that is not directly contributed to the user data.

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Packet Switching: A communication type that is used for transmitting data in discrete chunks called packets.

Parity: A method of error checking for data packets or transfers.

PAP: Password Authentication Protocol. An authentication method used with PPP that sends a username and password.

Patch: An upgrade or fix that addresses a weakness in an original release of vendor software.

Peer to Peer Network: A type of network topology that is used in small networks (< 30 nodes) where each of the nodes are capable of being both a client and a server.

Permissions: Attributes set by administrators to resources that define allowed actions on files, folders, or other shared resources.

Phase Modulation: A type of modulation that uses phase distortion to transfer data.

Physical Layer: Layer 1 of the OSI Model that defines the physical hardware and transfer across these physical elements.

Point-to-Point: A type of data transfer that involves only two nodes.

PPP: Point-to-Point Protocol. A protocol in wide use for transferring data across serial links.

PPTP: Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol. A secure version of PPP used with TCP/IP.

Policies: Group and system settings that affect users on a network.

POP3: Post Office Protocol 3. An SMTP email protocol.

Presentation Layer: Layer 6 of the OSI Model that is responsible for encryption, file formats, compression, etc.

Printer Port Capture: The process of installing or enabling a printer on a computer.

Print Server: A computer dedicated to delivery of print services in order to relieve the network of this traffic and overhead.

Protocol: a system or set of design standards for communication between computer hardware and/or software.

Protocol Analyzer: Equipment and software that identifies and decodes common protocols. Also called a 'packet sniffer'.

Proxy Server: A server that runs as an intermediary web service on a netwrok in order to cache internet content and prevent repeated downloading of material. Can also enable anonymous web surfing.

PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network. Also called POTS - Plain Old Telephone System.

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RAS: Remote Access Server. A service which is installed on a server to permit access by remote clients.

Reverse Lookup Zone: A DNS approach to resolving IP addresses to Host Names. Note that this is the opposite of a Forward Lookup Zone, which is the typical direction of name resolution for an internet request.

RAID: Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks. A configuration of hard disks and controllers to write data to the disks in such a manner that there is little chance of data loss. There are several levels of RAID, such as RAID0, RAID1, etc. with each level having a well defined set of standards.

Refraction: Bending of light as it passes through different mediums.

Remote Loopback Test: A modem test performed on a remote modem by a local modem.

Repeater: A hardware device that not only amplifies a signal, but also removes noise and distortion from the data.

Rights: Similar to permissions. The ability to perform certain actions on a network.

Ring Topology: A network topology that connects the nodes in a 'circular' manner, end to end.

Router: A network hardware device that operates at the Network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI Model to differentiate the destinations of packets and forward or not forward them accordingly.

Routable Protocol: A network protocol that can be forwarded across the network to a remote address. IP, TCP, UDP, IPX, DECNet, etc.

RS-232C: An EIA interface that is typically used to connect computers with peripherals.

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SDLC: Synchronous Data Link Control. The forerunner of HDLC.

Server: A system that runs specialized software programs to provide clients access to certain resources.

Services: Background programs that run transparently on a network server to fulfill the objectives of successful networking.

Serial Protocol: A communication protocol that provides point-to-point physical communication such as SLIP and PPP.

Session Layer: Layer 5 of the OSI Model. Responsible for providing management of the end-to-end dialog between nodes in half- or full-duplex mode with synchronization headers, etc.

Simplex: A communication scheme that occurs in one way only.

SLIP: Serial Line Internet Protocol. A limited point-to-point protocol that will transfer TCP/IP only. The forerunner to PPP.

SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. The protocol used to route email across the Internet using Port 25.

SNR: Signal to Noise Ratio. The amount of noise in a signal compared to the overall size of the signal itself.

SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol. An application layer protocol that is primarily used to monitor and gather information about network systems and devices. The information is typically stored in a Management Information Base (MIB) which can be used to produce graphs, reports, base-lines, system snap-shots, or other useful overviews of the network.

Socket: A procedure for communication between processes. Sockets are stated in terms of a colon and a number tagged onto an IP address, such as 192.168.1.10:3306.

Source Routing: A method of bridging used in Token Ring networks.

SOP: Standard Operating Procedure. An oral or - more fundamentally - written document that states clearly the procedures of a system of operations.

SSL: Secure Sockets Layer. An approach to Internet security that is used with browsers to guarantee communication links at Port 443.

Star Topology: A centralized network topology that connects all nodes to a central hub, router, or switch.

Static Routing: A router that must have the routing tables updated manually.

Stop Bit: A signal bit in a series of bits that makes up a data frame which signals the end of the frame.

STP: Shielded twisted pair cable. A type of network cable that is somewhat protected from EMI.

Stripe Parity: A method of striping data across disks that provides fault tolerance for the data.

Striping: A RAID process of spreading data across several disks.

Subnet Mask: A form of code that is used with IP addresses in order to identify the network and the node number on the network.

Subnetwork: A portion of a larger network that is identified by the Subnet Mask.

Switching Hub: A type of hub that is capable of dynamically acting as a switch for connecting portions of the network.

Synchronous: A data transmission in which transmitter and receiver can simultaneously track each bit or frame during transmission. Typically only used at higher data transfer rates.

SDLC: Synchronous Data Link Control. A protocol that is similar to HDLC.

SONET: Synchronous Optical Network. A high speed fiber-optic system used for WANs capable of 54.84 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps.

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Tape Backup: A popular method of data backup on servers and networks.

T-Carrier: A type of digital signal technology for transmission across telephone networks.

TCP: Transmission Control Protocol. A connection-oriented protocol that establishes a reliable connection between host and client. Operates at Layer 4 of the OSI Model.

TCP/IP: The most popular network protocol suite, used extensively in networks of all sizes, to include the Internet.

TCP/IP Utilities: A series of Unix-based software tools for troubleshooting networks and computer connections to the network.

Terminal Code: A system of binary codes that are configured to represent various characters. ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot, etc.

TDM: Time Division Multiplexing. A multiplexing technique which divides the carrier frequency into discrete channels. Each terminal on a channel has the full bandwidth for a specific time period. See TDMA below.

TDMA: Time Division Multiple Access. A multiplexing technique where full channel bandwidth is available for specific time periods to each user.

Token: The network signaling element used in Token Ring networks.

Token Bus: The IEEE 802.4 standard that describes a network topology for transmission based upon token passing.

Tone Generator: A testing device for identifying continuous cables.

Topology: A description of the physical layout or architecture of a network, such as Ring, Star, Bus, etc.

Translation Bridge: A type of bridging that converts MAC frames to the frame types of the destination node.

Transparency: The degree to which user data and header information can remain separated in a packet.

Transport Layer: Layer 4 of the OSI Model. Assures a path between nodes by assigning addresses.

Trunk Line: A major arterial section of a network which serves multiple branches or segments of the network.

Twisted Pair: A cable type that is very popular, typically used in Ethernet. Consists of various numbers of pairs of cables with each pair twisted together in such a fashion as to minimize EMI.

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UART: Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter. A chip that formats data for transmission, especially across networks or through a modem.

UDP: User Datagram Protocol. A broadcast protocol that does not guarantee delivery of the communication.

Universal Naming Convention (UNC): A system of resource identification that is of the format \\SERVER\RESOURCE\

User ID: A user name or means of identification for security or login measures.

UTP: Unshielded Twisted Pair cable. A type of network cable that offers no protection from EMI.

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WAN: Wide Area Network. A type of network that is extended to a large geographical area.

WINS: Windows Internet Naming Service. A service for resolving NetBIOS names to IP addresses. Used on Windows 9x & NT peer to peer networks, deprecated on Windows 2k & XP in favor of DNS.

Workstation: A stand-alone computer with installed software. Also called a client.