What is zone? - Definition from Whatis.com
In general, a zone is an area of administration. The meaning is similar to that of domain. Specific networking environments use the term to mean somewhat different things:

1) In the domain name system (DNS) environment, a zone is the name space allocated for a particular server. A zone file maintains instructions for resolving specified Internet domain names to the appropriate number form of an Internet Protocol address (an IP

address).

2) In an H.323 multimedia network, a zone is a group of terminals, multipoint control units (MCUs), and gateways within a particular domain. A zone may be a relatively permanent configuration of devices, or just a runtime entity established for a particular event. An administrative tool called a gatekeeper controls interactions for each zone.

3) In Apple computers, a zone is a logical group of network devices using AppleTalk.

This was last updated in October 2004

Dig Deeper

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.

Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com