Technical information

Watson-SHDSL-Router-GUI-Manual.doc
Version 2.3-03
Watson SHDSL Router
Web-based Management Manual
Revision: 2012-02-29
11-7
Client/server network A network of two or more computers that rely on a cen-
tral server to mediate the connections or provide additional system resources. This
dependence on a server differentiating a client/server network from a peer-to-peer
network.
Computer name A name that uniquely identifies a computer on the network so
that all its shared resources can be accessed by other computers on the network.
One computer name cannot be the same as any other computer or domain name
on the network.
DHCP Acronym for `Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol'. A TCP/IP proto-
col that automatically assigns temporary IP addresses to computers on a local area
network (LAN). Watson supports the use of DHCP. You can use DHCP to share
one Internet connection with multiple computers on a network.
DMZ Acronym for `demilitarized zone'. A collection of devices and subnets
placed between a private network and the Internet to help protect the private net-
work from unauthorized Internet users.
DNS Acronym for `Domain Name System'. A data query service chiefly
used on the Internet for translating host names into Internet addresses. The DNS
database maps DNS domain names to IP addresses, so that users can locate
computers and services through user-friendly names.
Domain name An address of a network connection that identifies the owner
of that address in a hierarchical format: server.organization.type. For example,
http://www.whitehouse.gov identifies the Web server at the WhiteHouse, which is
part of the U.S. government.
Domain In a networked computer environment, a collection of computers that
share a common domain database and security policy. A domain is administered as
a unit with common rules and procedures, and each domain has a unique name.
DSL modem A device that enables a broadband connection to access the
Internet. DSL modems rely on telephone lines that operate at DSL speeds.
DSL Acronym for `Digital Subscriber Line'. A constant, high-speed digital
connection to the Internet that uses standard copper telephone wires.
Duplex A mode of connection. Full-duplex transmission allows for the simul-
taneous transfer of information between the sender and the receiver. Half-duplex
transmission allows for the transfer of information in only one direction at a time.
Dynamic IP address The IP address assigned (using the DHCP protocol) to
a device that requires it. A dynamic IP address can also be assigned to a gateway
or router by an ISP.
Encryption The translation of data into a secret code. Encryption is the most ef-
fective way to achieve data security. To read an encrypted file, you must have ac-
cess to a secret key or password that enables you to decrypt it.
Ethernet cable A type of cable that facilitates network communications. An
Ethernet cable comes in a couple of flavors. there is twisted pair, and coax Ethernet
cables. Each of these allow data to travel at 10Mbit per second.
Ethernet A networking standard that uses cables to provide network access.
Ethernet is the most widely-installed technology to connect computers together.