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Chapter
6
Chapter 6 - Glossary
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
An organization that provides access to the Internet. Small ISPs provide service via
modem and ISDN while the larger ones also offer private line hookups (T1, fractional
T1, etc.).
LAN (Local Area Network)
A communications network that serves users within a defined geographical area. The
benefits include the sharing of Internet access, files and equipment like printers and
storage devices. Special network cabling (10 Base-T) is often used to connect the PCs
together.
MAC Address (Media Access Control)
A MAC address is the hardware address of a device connected to a network.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT masks a local network’s group of IP addresses from the external network, allowing
a local network of computers to share a single ISP account. This process allows all of
the computers on your home network to use one IP address. This will enable access to
the Internet from any computer on your home network without having to purchase
more IP addresses from your ISP.
NIC (Network Interface Card)
A network adapter inserted into a computer so that the computer can be connected to a
network. It is responsible for converting data from stored in the computer to the form
transmitted or received.
Packet
A basic message unit for communication across a network. A packet usually includes
routing information, data, and sometimes error detection information.
ISM Bands (Industrial, Scientific, and Medicine Bands)
Radio frequency bands that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized
for wireless LANs. The ISM bands are located at 902 MHz, 2.400 GHz, and 5.7 GHz.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
PPP is a protocol for communication between computers using a serial interface, typically
a personal computer connected by phone line to a server.
PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)
Point-to-Point Protocol is a method of secure data transmission. PPP using Ethernet to
connect to an ISP.
Radio Frequency (RF) Terms: GHz, MHz, Hz
The international unit for measuring frequency is Hertz (Hz), equivalent to the older
unit of cycles per second. One megahertz (MHz) is one million Hertz. One gigahertz
(GHz) is one billion Hertz. The standard US electrical power frequency is 60 Hz, the
AM broadcast radio frequency band is 0.55-1.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency
band is 88-108 MHz, and wireless 802.11 LANs operate at 2.4 GHz.