For All Installations
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a protocol that assigns “dynamic”
(versus static) IP addresses to devices (individual equipment) on a network. With
dynamic addressing, a device may be assigned a different IP address every time
it connects to the network. This makes setting up and maintaining a network
simpler since the software keeps track of the IP addresses. In addition, a new
device can be easily added to a network since its IP address is assigned
automatically.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line, a technology that uses sophisticated modulation
schemes to pack data onto copper wires. DSL is sometimes referred to as a last-
mile technology because it are used only for connections from a telephone
switching station to a home or office, not between switching stations.
Gateway
A gateway is a router or computer that connects two dissimilar networks (for
example, that use different communication protocols, data formatting, or
organizational structures). When networks are divided into subnets, gateways
are often used to isolate one subnet from another to control network traffic. On
TCP/IP networks, each network device is often configured with the IP address of
the nearest gateway. If there are no gateways on the network, the IP address of
your computer is typically used.
Internet
The Internet is a global network connecting millions of computers. The Internet
is the epitome of decentralization. Each Internet computer, called a host, is
independent. Its operators can choose which Internet services to use and which
local services to make available to the global Internet community. In addition,
when information is sent over the Internet its path is completely random. Each
data packet, even within the same transmission, may take a different route.
There are a variety of ways to access the Internet. Most often access is provided
through online services, such as America Online, or through a commercial
Internet Service Provider (ISP). The Internet is not synonymous with World
Wide Web.
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