User guide

Glossary

EN/LZT1083982 R4 83 (87)

2000-12-07

Abbreviation of Internet Protocol, pronounced as two separate letters. IP specifies the

format of packets, also called datagrams, and the addressing scheme. Most networks

combine IP with a higher-level protocol called Transport Control Protocol (TCP), which

establishes a virtual connection between a destination and a source. IP by itself is

something like the postal system. It allows you to address a package and drop it in the

system, but there is no direct link between you and the recipient. TCP/IP, on the other

hand, establishes a connection between two hosts so that they can send messges back and

forth for a period of time.

IP-address

An identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network. Networks using the TCP/IP

protocol route messages based on the IP address of the destination. The format of an IP

address is a 32-bit numeric address written as four numbers separated by periods. Each

number can be zero to 255. For example, 1.160.10.240 could be an IP address. Within

isolated network, you can assign IP addresses at random as long as each one is unique.

However, connecting a private network to the Internet requires using registered IP

addresses (called Internet addresses) to avoid duplicates.

ISDN

Short for Integrated Services Digital Network, an international communications standard

for sending voice, video and data over digital telephone lines or normal telephone wires.

ISP

Short for Internet Service Provider, a company that provides access to the Internet. In

addition to serving individuals, ISPs also serve large companies, providing a direct

connection from the company's networks to the Internet. ISPs themselves are connected

to one another through Network Access Points (NAPs).

LAN

Short for Local Area Network which is a computer network that spans a relatively small

area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings. Most LANs

connect workstations and personal computers and each node (individual computer) has its

own CPU with which it executes programs. There are many different types of LANs,

where Ethernet being the most common for PCs.

LED

Short for Light Emitting Diode, an electronic device that lights up when electricity is

passed through it.

MAC address

Short for Media Access Control address, a hardware address that uniquely identifies each

node of a network.

Modem

Acronym for MOdulator-DEModulator. A modem is a device or program that enables a

computer to transmit data over telephone lines. Computer information is stored digitally,

whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is transmitted in the form of analog

waves. A modem converts between these two forms.