Glossary - RCA DWG855 User Manual

Chapter 3: Additional Information

Glossary

10BaseT – Unshielded, twisted pair cable with an RJ-45 connector, used with Ethernet LAN (Local Area
Network). "10" indicates speed (10 Mbps), "Base" refers to baseband technology, and "T" means twisted
pair cable.
Authentication - The process of verifying the identity of an entity on a network.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol) – A protocol which allows a server to dynamically assign IP
addresses to workstations on the fly.
Ethernet card – A plug-in circuit board installed in an expansion slot of a personal computer. The
Ethernet card (sometimes called a Network Interface Card or NIC) takes parallel data from the computer,
converts it to serial data, puts it into a packet format, and sends it over the 10BaseT or 100BaseT LAN
cable.
DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications) – A project with the objective of
developing a set of necessary specifications and operations support interface specifications for Cable
Modems and associated equipment.
F Connector – A type of coaxial connector, labeled CABLE IN on the rear of the Residential Voice
Gateway that connects the modem to the cable system.
HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) – Invisible to the user, HTTP is used by servers and clients to
communicate and display information on a client browser.
Hub – A device used to connect multiple computers to the Residential Voice Gateway.
IP Address – A unique, 32-bit address assigned to every device in a network. An IP (Internet Protocol)
address has two parts: a network address and a host address. This modem receives a new IP address from
your cable operator via DHCP each time it goes through Initialization Mode.
Key exchange - The swapping of mathematical values between entities on a network in order to allow
encrypted communication between them.
MAC Address – The permanent "identity" for a device programmed into the Media Access Control
layer in the network architecture during the modem's manufacture.
Network Driver – A file that is loaded on the computer to allow the computer to recognize the Ethernet
card or USB port.
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Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.