Access Server
Access Server, also called network access server, is a computer server that connects asynchronous devices to a LAN or WAN through network and terminal emulation software. An access server (NAS) enables an internet service provider (ISP) to provide connected customers with Internet access. An access server has interfaces to both the local telecommunication service provider such as the phone company and to the Internet backbone. The server authenticates users requesting login, usually by verifying a user name and password, and then allows requests to begin to flow between the user host and hosts (computers) elsewhere on the Internet.
Activation
Activation in networking refers to the process of enabling a subscriber device for network access and privileges on behalf of a registered account. In computer software, activation may refer to the process of enabling a user with a valid license key the privilege to use particular software.
Active FTP
Active FTP is an alternative FTP mode which was designed before firewalls. In active mode FTP, the client connects from a random unprivileged port (N > 1023) to the FTP server's command port, port 21. Then, the client starts listening to port N+1 and sends the FTP command PORT N+1 to the FTP server. The server will then connect back to the client's specified data port from its local data port, which is port 20.
ADSL modem
An ADSL modem, also known as a DSL modem, is a device used to connect one or more computers to a phone line, in order to use an ADSL service. Some ADSL modems also manage the connection and sharing of the ADSL service with a group of machines, making an ADSL router or ADSL modem/router a more accurate name for the device.
Alarm
Generally speaking, an alarm gives an audible or visual warning of a problem or condition. In networking, alarm refers to notification sent by a network monitoring system to tell network administrators or other people about possible problems in the network.
Algorithm
Algorithm, basically, is the well-defined rule or process for arriving at a solution to a problem. In networking, algorithms commonly are used to determine the best route for traffic from a particular source to a particular destination. The queuing algorithms of routers and switches are critical to determine the speed of packet processing.
Attenuation
Attenuation refers to decreasing in signal magnitude between two points. These points may be along a radio path, transmission line or other devices.
B2B: Business to Business
Business to Business (B2B) refers to conducting business between two or more companies over the Internet, rather than between businesses and consumers (B2C).
B2C: Business to Consumer
Business-to-consumer (B2C), also known as business-to-customer, refers to commercial organizations selling products and services to the end consumers over the Internet.
Back End
Back End, in the context of a computer system, refers to a node or software program that provides services to a front end. The front end typically interfaces with users directly while the back end may communicate with other systems such as databases and other systems.
Backbone
Backbone is the part of a network that acts as the primary path for all network traffic, which requires very high bandwidth. A backbone network of a service provider typically connects many enterprise sub networks and networks of smaller service providers. An enterprise backbone network typically connects many LANs and data centres.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the maximum capacity of a network channel. Usually bandwidth is measured in bits per second (bps), kilo-bits per second (Kbps), mega bits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). For example, Ethernet has a bandwidth of 10-, 100-, 1000 Mbps and 1 and 10 Gbps.
Broadband
Broadband in networking and telecommunication refers to any type of transmission technique that carries several data channels over a common wire. In home networking, "broadband" usually refers to high-speed Internet access using broadband transmission technique. The mostly used broadband access technologies include DSL (over normal telephone lines), DOCSIS (over cable wires) etc. So-called broadband routers and broadband modems are network devices that support both DSL and DOCSIS.
Broadband Network
Broadband Network is a network capable of transporting multiple services including voice, interactive full-motion video, and data simultaneously on the same physical cable over long distances. In contrast, a narrowband network can transport only traditional telephone service, electronic mail, paging services, and faxes.
Broadband Router
Broadband router is an access router used by Small Office Home Office (SOHO) or residential customers to access the Internet via DSL or cable moderns. A broadband router typically combines the features of a traditional network switch, a firewall, and a DHCP server. A broadband router supports file sharing, Internet connection sharing, and home LAN.