146 GLOSSARY
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.
protocol A set of rules for communication between devices on a network. The
rules dictate format, timing, sequencing and error control.
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.
SSID Service Set Identifier. Some vendors of wireless products use SSID
interchangeably with ESSID.
subnet address An extension of the IP addressing scheme that allows a site to use a
single IP network address for multiple physical networks.
subnet mask A subnet mask, which may be a part of the TCP/IP information
provided by your ISP, is a set of four numbers configured like an IP
address. It is used to create IP address numbers used only within a
particular network (as opposed to valid IP address numbers recognized
by the Internet, which must assigned by InterNIC).
subnet A network that is a component of a larger network.
switch A device that interconnects several LANs to form a single logical LAN
that comprises of several LAN segments. Switches are similar to
bridges, in that they connect LANs of a different type; however they
connect more LANs than a bridge and are generally more sophisticated.
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. This is the name for
two of the most well-known protocols developed for the
interconnection of networks. Originally a UNIX standard, TCP/IP is now
supported on almost all platforms, and is the protocol of the Internet.
TCP relates to the content of the data traveling through a network —
ensuring that the information sent arrives in one piece when it reaches
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