3Com HomeConnect 3CP4130 User Manual page 44

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.
Jack
The part of a cable that plugs into a port or interface to connect one device to
another.
Packet
A piece of a message transmitted over a packet-switching network. In IP
networks, packets are often called datagrams. In a packet-switching network,
messages are divided into "packets" which are addressed and sent separately and
matched up at their destination.
PIN
A male lead (a thin metal foot or prong) on a connector.
POTS
Plain Old Telephone Service.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
A method of connecting a computer to the Internet. Other methods are Bridged
(RFC-1483) and PPPoE. PPP is one of the most widely used data link protocols in
networks. It lets a computer connect to the Internet with a standard dial-up
telephone line and a high-speed modem. In order to use PPP, your service
provider must support it.
PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)
PPPoE was developed to allow users to connect a LAN to connect to the Internet
over a single link (Virtual Circuit). In PPP and RFC-1483, connections exist
between the HomeConnect ADSL Modem Dual Link and the ISP, while in
PPPoE, the link is to the individual PCs. So the user on the LAN can select when
to connect to a particular service by "logging in" to that service (sort of like
placing a telephone call.) Choosing which of the protocols to use is not up to the
user but dependent on the ISP. Ask your service provider if it's available.
Protocol
An agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices. The protocol
determines the type of error-checking to be used, the data compression method,
how the sending device will indicate that it has finished sending a message, and
how the receiving device will indicate that it has received a message. From a
user's point of view, the only interesting aspect about protocols is that your
computer or device must support the right ones if you want to communicate with
other computers.
PVC (permanent virtual circuit)