Technical data

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
A method for transmitting datagrams over serial point-to-point lines where a line
is established between a remote host (usually over a telephone line) and another
host acting as a gateway to a remote host.
poll
The sending of an NTP packet from a host to an NTP time server to request the
current time. The server responds by recording the current time in the packet,
then sending it back to the originating host. See also NTP packet.
polling
Connecting to another system to check for things such as mail or news.
POP
See Post Office Protocol.
port
The endpoint of a communication link between two processes.
A UDP or TCP port number. Valid values are from 1 through 65535.
port number
A 16-bit number used to identify applications using TCP or UDP. The number is
stored in the Transport layer protocol headers to identify the application.
Portmapper Service
A service that client programs can use to determine the port number that another
service uses. Clients use the Portmapper Service for NFC, PC-NFS, and RPC
applications.
post
To send a message to a mailing list or newsgroup. Distinguished in context from
mail.
Post Office Protocol (POP)
The TCP/IP-based protocol for client stations to read mail from a server.
PPP
See Point-to-Point Protocol.
PPP client
A host requiring a temporary PPP connection to a dialup provider or a terminal
server.
PPP dialup provider
A host that answers modem calls from PPP clients, assigns IP addresses and
establishes PPP connections initiated by PPP clients.
preference
A preference is a value from 0 to 255 used to select a route from many routes to
the same destination. The route with the best (numerically lowest) preference is
selected as the active route. The active route is the one installed in the kernel
forwarding table and exported to other protocols. Preference zero is usually
reserved for routes to directly attached interfaces. A default preference is assigned
to each source from which GATED receives routes.
prefix
A contiguous mask covering the most significant bits of an address. The prefix
length specifies how many bits are covered.
Glossary–34