COMMON NETWORK TERMS
Active Directory
Active Directory serves as a central location for network administration and security. It is
responsible for authenticating and authorizing all users and computers within a network
of Windows domain type, assigning and enforcing security policies.
Backbone
a part of computer network infrastructure that interconnects various pieces of network,
providing a path for the exchange of information between different Local Area Networks
(LANs). A backbone can tie together diverse networks in the same building, in different
buildings in a campus environment, or over wide areas.
DNS Server
A server connected to a network that resolves network names into network addresses.
Domain Name System (DNS) is a database system that translates a computer's fully
qualified domain name into an IP address.
Dual Powered
In essence, this is a power supply that actually includes two (or more) units within it,
each of which is capable of powering the entire system by itself. If for some reason
there is a failure in one of the units, the other one will seamlessly take over to prevent
the loss of power.
EPO Switch
Short for emergency power off; also referred to as an EPO switch. A button or switch
that shuts down the power in the data center. Typically used where there are large
amounts of computers using large amounts of electricity, the EPO is meant to be
activated by a human only in emergency situations when it is necessary to cut the
power if human life is in jeopardy or if there is the potential for major damage to the
building or equipment (e.g., in the case of a fire or electrocution). The sudden loss of
power will inevitably lead to the loss of some data, and the EPO is not meant to be
used under normal circumstances.
Firewall
A device or a software package that separates more secure network components from
less secure components, protecting the more secure network from inappropriate
access.
Hot-Swappable
Term used to describe the functions of replacing computer system components without
shutting down the system..
I/O
Input/Output. refers to the communication between an information processing system
(such as a computer), and the outside world, possibly a human, or another information
processing system. Inputs are the signals or data received by the system, and outputs
are the signals or data sent from it.
IOS – Internetworking Operating System
IOS Cisco operating system software that runs the switches and routers.
IP
Internet Protocol. The network layer protocol in the TCP/IP stack offering a
connectionless internetwork service.
IP Address
An address assigned to hosts using TCP/IP. It is used to speak to devices on other
networks via the connecting router.
KVM Switch
Abbreviation for keyboard, video display unit, mouse. It is a hardware device that
allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, video monitor and
mouse.
MAC address
Media Access Control (MAC) address. A standardized address that is required for
every device that connects to a LAN. It is used by the connecting switch to allow
communication. MAC address is a unique value associated with a network adapter.
MAC addresses are also known as hardware addresses or physical addresses.
Multicast
Multicast is a routing technique that allows IP traffic to be sent from one source or
multiple sources and delivered to multiple destinations.
Network
A collection of computers, printers, routers, switches, and other devices that can
communicate with each other over some transmission medium.
Network Chassis
AKA Blade Enclosure. Blade servers function well for specific purposes such as web
hosting, virtualization, and cluster computing. Individual blades are typically hotswappable. They add more processing power, memory and I/O bandwidth to blade
servers.
OS
Operating System. An operating system or OS, is a software program that enables the
computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. For
example Windows XP, Windows 7, etc….
Router
A network device that forwards data packets between computer networks and switches
Routing Protocol/OSPF
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), a protocol that accomplishes routing through the
implementation of a specific routing algorithm.
Security Patch
A patch is a piece of software designed to fix problems with, or update a computer
program or its supporting data. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities and other
bugs, and improving the usability or performance..
Security Vulnerability
Is a weakness which allows an attacker to reduce a system's information assurance.
Vulnerability is the intersection of three elements: a system susceptibility or flaw,
attacker access to the flaw, and attacker capability to exploit the flaw.
Subnet
Subnets are subdivisions of a Class A, B, or C network, as configured by a network
administrator. Subnets allow a single Class A, B, or C network to be used instead of
multiple networks, and still allow for a large number of groups of IP addresses, as is
required for efficient IP routing.
Switch
A network device that joins multiple computers together
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
Is a common name for the suite of protocols developed by the U.S. Department of
Defense in the 1970s to support the construction of worldwide internetworks. TCP and
IP are the two best-known protocols in the suite. These specific networking protocols
enable computers to communicate over a network.
UPS
Uninterruptable Power Supply. This is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency
power to a load when the input power source, typically mains power, fails.
VLAN
Virtual Local Area Network, A group of devices on one or more LANs (Local Area
Networks) that are configured so that they can communicate as if they were attached to
the same wire, when, in fact, they are located on a number of different LAN segments.
WAN
Wide Area Network is a telecommunication network that covers a broad area. Business
and government entities utilize WANs to relay data among employees, clients, buyers,
and suppliers from various geographical locations. In essence this mode of
telecommunication allows a business to effectively carry out its daily function regardless
of location.
What is a Network Switch versus a Router?
Switches create a network. Routers connect networks. A router links computers to the
Internet, so users can share the connection. A router acts as a dispatcher, choosing the
best path for information to travel so it's received quickly. Note: In our network, some
switches also perform the routing capacity.
WiFi
A popular technology that allows an electronic device to exchange data wirelessly
(using radio waves) over a computer network. Bluetooth is a wireless technology
standard for exchanging data over short distances.
Wireless Access Point (WAP or AP)
A device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth or related standards. The WAP usually connects to a router (via a wired
network), and can relay data between the wireless devices (such as computers or
printers) and wired devices on the network.