NETGEAR WGPS606 - Manual (Page 63)

Reference Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB Print Server with 4-Port Switch
Glossary 5
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MAC address
The Media Access Control address is a unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to every network interface
card. Usually written in the form 01:23:45:67:89:ab.
Mbps
Megabits per second.
MDI/MDIX
In cable wiring, the concept of transmit and receive are from the perspective of the PC, which is wired as a
Media Dependant Interface (MDI). In MDI wiring, a PC transmits on pins 1 and 2. At the hub, switch,
router, or access point, the perspective is reversed, and the hub receives on pins 1 and 2. This wiring is
referred to as Media Dependant Interface - Crossover (MDI-X).
N
NAT
See “Network Address Translation”
netmask
Combined with the IP address, the IP Subnet Mask allows a device to know which other addresses are local
to it, and which must be reached through a gateway or router. A number that explains which part of an IP
address comprises the network address and which part is the host address on that network. It can be
expressed in dotted-decimal notation or as a number appended to the IP address. For example, a 28-bit mask
starting from the MSB can be shown as 255.255.255.192 or as /28 appended to the IP address.
Network Address Translation
Sometimes referred to as Transparent Proxying, IP Address Overloading, or IP Masquerading. Involves use
of a device called a Network Address Translator, which assigns a contrived, or logical, IP address and port
number to each node on an organization's internal network and passes packets using these assigned
addresses.
NIC
Network Interface Card. An adapter in a computer which provides connectivity to a network.
P
packet
A block of information sent over a network. A packet typically contains a source and destination network
address, some protocol and length information, a block of data, and a checksum.