Linksys EG008W User Guide - Page 14

Gigabit 8-Port Workgroup Switch Appendix C: Glossary This glossary contains some basic networking terms you may come across when using this product. For more advanced terms, see the complete Linksys glossary at http://www.linksys.com/glossary. Bandwidth - The transmission capacity of a given device or network. Bit - A binary digit. Boot - To start a device and cause it to start executing instructions. Broadband - An always-on, fast Internet connection. Browser - An application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web. Byte - A unit of data that is usually eight bits long. Cable Modem - A device that connects a computer to the cable television network, which in turn connects to the Internet. Daisy Chain - A method used to connect devices in a series, one after the other. Default Gateway - A device that forwards Internet traffic from your local area network. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A networking protocol that allows administrators to assign temporary IP addresses to network computers by "leasing" an IP address to a user for a limited amount of time, instead of assigning permanent IP addresses. DNS (Domain Name Server) - The IP address of your ISP's server, which translates the names of websites into IP addresses. Domain - A specific name for a network of computers. Download - To receive a file transmitted over a network. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) - An always-on broadband connection over traditional phone lines. Dynamic IP Address - A temporary IP address assigned by a DHCP server. Appendix C: Glossary 10