Microsoft MN-130 - Manual (Page 58)

54 Microsoft Broadband Networking PCI Adapter User’s Guide
LAN Acronym for “local area network.” A group of computers and other
devices dispersed over a relatively limited area (for example, a
building) and connected by a communications link that enables
any device to interact with any other on the network.
MAC address Acronym for “media access control” address. The address that is
used for communication between network adapters on the same
subnet. Each network adapter is manufactured with its own unique
MAC address.
Mbps Abbreviation of “megabits per second.” A unit of bandwidth
measurement that defines the speed at which information can be
transferred through a network or Ethernet cable. One megabyte is
roughly equivalent to eight megabits.
modem A device that facilitates the transmission and reception of
information between computers.
NAT Acronym for “network address translation.” The process of
converting between IP addresses used within a private network
and Internet IP addresses. NAT enables all of the computers on a
network to share one IP address. The Microsoft Broadband
Networking Base Station supports NAT, which provides an extra
layer of network security by masking the actual IP addresses of the
computers using a base station.
network A collection of two or more computers that are connected to each
other through wired or wireless means. These computers can share
access to the Internet and the use of files, printers, and other
equipment.
network adapter Also known as a “network interface card” (NIC). An expansion card
or other device used to provide network access to a computer,
printer, or other device.
PC Card A peripheral that adds memory, mass storage, modem capability,
or other networking services to portable computers.
peer-to-peer network Also known as a computer-to-computer network. A network of two
or more computers that communicate without using a central
server. This lack of reliance upon a server differentiates a peer-to-
peer network from a client/server network.
Plug and Play A set of specifications that allows a computer to automatically
detect and configure various peripheral devices, such as monitors,
modems, and printers.
port A physical connection through which data is transferred between a
computer and other devices (such as a printer, monitor, or
modem), a network, or another computer. Also, a software channel
for network communications.