Network Intelligence Glossary
Strategic definitions for administrative protocols and cybersecurity hardware terminology.
Access Point (AP)
A device that creates a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an office or large building.
Adware
Software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material such as banners or pop-ups when a user is online.
AES
Advanced Encryption Standard. A symmetric encryption algorithm used widely for securing data, including Wi-Fi (WPA2/WPA3).
Bandwidth
The maximum rate of data transfer across a given path.
Bridge Mode
A configuration that allows two routers to share the same network, disabling the routing functions of one to avoid NAT conflicts.
Captive Portal
A web page that the user of a public-access network is obliged to view and interact with before access is granted.
Channel Width
The range of frequencies used to transmit data (e.g., 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz).
DDNS
Dynamic Domain Name System. Automatically updates a name server in the DNS with the active configuration of its configured hostnames.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
DMZ
Demilitarized Zone. A physical or logical subnetwork that contains and exposes an organization's external-facing services to an untrusted network.
DNS
Domain Name System. Translates domain names to IP addresses.
DOCSIS
Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. An international telecommunications standard for high-bandwidth data transfer over cable TV systems.
Dual-Band
A router that can transmit on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
Ethernet
A system for connecting a number of computer systems to form a local area network.
Firewall
A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Firmware
Software programmed into the read-only memory of a hardware device.
Gateway
A node in a network which serves as an entrance to another network.
GUI
Graphical User Interface. A visual way of interacting with a computer or device (like a router's admin panel).
Hop
The trip data takes from one router or intermediate point to another in a network.
IP Address
A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol.
ISP
Internet Service Provider. A company that provides people with access to the internet.
LAN
Local Area Network. A computer network that links devices within a building or group of adjacent buildings.
Latency
The delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction for its transfer.
MAC Address
Media Access Control address. A unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller.
Modem
A combined device for modulation and demodulation, for example, between the digital signals of a computer and the analog signals of a telephone line.
MU-MIMO
Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output. Allows a Wi-Fi router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously.
NAT
Network Address Translation. A method of remapping an IP address space into another by modifying network address information in the IP header.
ONT
Optical Network Terminal. A device that connects fiber-optic cables to other types of wiring, like Ethernet or phone lines.
Packet
A block of data transmitted across a network.
Ping
A network utility used to test the reachability of a host on an Internet Protocol (IP) network.
Port Forwarding
Allows remote computers to connect to a specific computer or service within a private local-area network.
Protocol
A set of rules governing the exchange or transmission of data between devices.
QoS
Quality of Service. The description or measurement of the overall performance of a service, such as a computer network.
Router
A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
Roaming
The ability of a wireless client to move from one access point to another without losing the connection.
SSID
Service Set Identifier. The name of a Wi-Fi network.
Static IP
An IP address that is manually configured and does not change.
Subnet Mask
A 32-bit number used to differentiate the network component of an IP address from the host component.
Switch
A networking device that connects devices on a computer network by using packet switching to receive and forward data to the destination device.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The basic communication language or protocol of the internet.
Throughput
The actual amount of data that is successfully sent/received over the network.
UPnP
Universal Plug and Play. A set of networking protocols that permits networked devices to seamlessly discover each other's presence.
VPN
Virtual Private Network. Extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.
WAN
Wide Area Network. A computer network in which the computers connected may be at any distance.
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy. A security algorithm for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks. Now considered obsolete and insecure.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
The latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, offering faster speeds, greater capacity, and reduced network congestion.
WPA2
Wi-Fi Protected Access II. A security protocol used to secure wireless computer networks.
WPA3
The latest iteration of Wi-Fi Protected Access, providing stronger encryption and better protection against brute-force attacks.
WPS
Wi-Fi Protected Setup. A network security standard that allows users to easily secure a wireless home network.
Zigbee
A high-level communication protocol used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios, such as for home automation.