We
attempted to cover some of the major terms involved in networking.
Client -
This is the user and his/her workstations. The client uses configured
hardware and software to attach to the server via a login screen - very
similar to the way an individual logs in to their Internet Service Provider. There
are generic clients included with most operating systems - specifically
Windows - and then most network operating system (NOS) providers such as
Novell also develop custom clients that include additional tools for user
management.
Coaxial
Cable - This is the "cable-like" cable used in the
past and still popular with very small networks. This medium
has largely been replaced by Category 5 Ethernet cable.
Computer
Name - In Windows, this is found in under the Network properties
within the Control Panel. This is the name that is broadcast across
networks and is used in the Windows Network Neighborhood to identify
NetBIOS shares.
Ethernet -
A type of network, and most popular, which uses cabling connected to PC's
and to hubs/routers to inter-connect users and servers and services.
Expansion
Slot - These are those mysterious flat, metal slots on the back
of your computer. These can be removed to install expansion cards
such as a network interface card (NIC) or modems, sound cards, SCSI cards,
etc.
Firewall -
This is a router or computer using specific software that provides security
for a LAN to access the Internet or externally connected sources, as well
as strictly permitting external access onto the LAN, if at all. An industry
standard example would be Checkpoint's
Firewall-1. They can also provide more technical services such as Network
Address Translation to connect two non-compatible LAN's over external or
Internet lines.
Hosts -
In this instance, we are talking about the hosts file that exists in the
Windows and Linux operating system. Basically the workstation
and/or server can use this file to lookup IP addresses and alias host names. For
instance, in my Linux hosts file I have the following - "192.168.0.1
Server", and on a second line - "192.168.0.2 Workstation" (w/o
the quotes). This tells my Linux box that both of these machines
are permitted to communicate and relay packets of information - whether
it be print jobs, file transfers or domain lookups.
Hub -
A network hardware tool for connecting many dispersed computers in one
location to a central server and/or router for internal use or then connecting
to geographically dispersed networks.
IPX/SPX -
Novell's proprietary LAN invention for the Netware network operating system
(NOS). This is a non-TCP/IP based addressing system that also uses
a network-node system.
LAN -
This is short for the Local Area Network. This consists of all of
the computers on one network in a non-public arena - such as inside a building. A
LAN does not permit external public access except for when using a firewall.
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LPT -
These are the printer ports directly on the back of your computer. This
is also called the parallel port. Most computers only have one -
but these can be extended with additional small pieces of hardware such
as splitters and switches that accommodate multiple printers attached to
one computer.
NetBEUI -
A protocol used in network software when multiple types of network types
are in use. Not common in modern networking.
NetBIOS -
A Microsoft protocol that allows for computers to recognize one another
on a network by their computer name, found in the Networks Control Panel
on Windows machines.
Network
Neighborhood - The Windows 95/98/NT icon on the desktop which
allows users and administrators to browse multiple networks via the computer
names or the NetBIOS names on the LAN and WAN.
NOS -
Network Operating System, an abbreviation used in tech talk for software
such as Novell Netware, Microsoft NT, Linux, Unix, etc.
PCI Ethernet
Card - a piece of hardware inserted into a computer that allows connectivity
to an Ethernet network such as a home or corporate network. This is where
the physical cable is connected to each machine.
Peer
to Peer - A network where multiple computers are simply sharing
each others files and printers without the use of a server or true Ethernet
network. Optimal for small operations of 15 or less.
Ping -
A software utility in all operating systems that allows you to send generic
messages or "pings" over the network or networks to see if you
can achieve basic connectivity. Example - In Windows or Linux, at
a command prompt, type ping 127.0.0.1 and press enter. This will
return packet information which you sent to yourself.
Router
- A smart piece of hardware that can store information about the network
addresses of multiple networks for connectivity. Routers, such
as from vendors Bay, 3Com and Cisco, use proprietary operating systems
that are usually setup via a Telnet session or via a web browser on the
network.
Server -
A computer operating as a master commander on a network, most often serving
as a file/print server - offering a central repository for user files,
applications and access to printers not directly connected to individual
workstations.
Share -
Sharing a resource (file, program or printer) from one computer to the
next.
TCP/IP -
Transport Control Protocol - Internet Protocol. TCP/IP is the primary
way to achieve both Internet connectivity and network connectivity since
it uses valid routing procedures via the four section network address. All
computers have a local host address of 127.0.0.1. At the office,
your computer might have an address of 192.168.0.25, which is a Class C
private internal network address. More on the details in a later
article under networking.
Telnet -
A communications connection via telecom or network connection that allows
you to login and often configure remote pieces of hardware such as Hewlett
Packard printers with Jet Direct network cards, routers, switches and even
remote serves and computers.
WAN -
Wide Area Network. This means two or more locations that are geographically
dispersed are connected on a network, either via privately leased lines
from a telecommunications provider (56k line, ISDN line, T-1) or over a
Virtual Private Network (VPN), which creates a private and secure connection
while using existing public Internet connections.
Workgroup -
The network section you directly belong to (the name is in the Network
properties of the Control Panel in Windows).
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