3Com OfficeConnect User Manual page 102

NAT
Network Address Translation. NAT enables all the computers
on your network to share one IP address. The NAT capability of
the Router allows you to access the Internet from any computer
on your home network without having to purchase more IP
addresses from your ISP.
Network
A Network is a collection of computers and other computer
equipment that are connected for the purpose of exchanging
information or sharing resources. Networks vary in size, some are
within a single room, others span continents.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
A circuit board installed into a piece of computing equipment,
for example, a computer, that enables you to connect it to the
network. A NIC is also known as an adapter or adapter card.
Ping
Packet Internet Groper. An internet utility used to determine
whether a particular IP address is online. It is used to test and
debug a network by sending out a packet and waiting for a
response.
Protocol
A set of rules for communication between devices on a network.
The rules dictate format, timing, sequencing and error control.
PPPoE
Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet. Point-to-Point Protocol
is a method of secure data transmission originally created for
dial-up connections; PPPoE is for Ethernet connections.
PPTP
Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol. PPTP is a simple VPN
encryption protocol based on the Point to Point protocol. It is
most frequently used to connect remote PCs to private networks.
RIP
Routing Information Protocol. A simple routing protocol that
is part of the TCP/IP protocol suite. It determines a route based
on the smallest hop count between source and destination. RIP is
a distance vector protocol that routinely broadcasts routing
information to its neighbouring routers.
Router
Protocol dependant device that connects subnetworks together.
Routers are useful in breaking down a very large network into
smaller subnetworks, they introduce longer delays and typically
have much lower throughput rates than bridges.
RJ-45
A standard connector used to connect Ethernet networks. The
"RJ" stands for "registered jack".
Server
A computer in a network that is shared by multiple end stations.
Servers provide end stations with access to shared network
services such as computer files and printer queues.
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