Infrastructure Definitions

  • G

    GMPLS (Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching or Multiprotocol Lambda Switching)

    GMPLS (Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a networking technology that enables fast and reliable network switching of data flows on any type of network infrastructure.

  • green networking

    Green networking is the practice of selecting energy-efficient networking technologies and products and minimizing resource use whenever possible.

  • GVRP (GARP VLAN Registration Protocol or Generic VLAN Registration Protocol)

    GVRP (GARP VLAN Registration Protocol or Generic VLAN Registration Protocol) is a standards-based protocol that facilitates control of virtual local area networks (VLANs) within a larger network.

  • H

    HAProxy

    HAProxy is a high-performance, open source load balancer and reverse proxy for TCP and HTTP applications.

  • HDLC (High-level Data Link Control)

    HDLC (High-level Data Link Control) is a group of protocols or rules for transmitting data between network points (sometimes called nodes).

  • HELLO packet

    A HELLO packet is a special data packet (message) that is sent out periodically from a router to establish and confirm network adjacency relationships to other routers in the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) communications protocol.

  • home server

    A home server is a computer that functions as a server in a client-server home network.

  • host (in computing)

    A host is a computer or other device that communicates with other hosts on a network.

  • I

    ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)

    ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is an error-reporting protocol that network devices such as routers use to generate error messages to the source IP address when network problems prevent delivery of IP packets.

  • IDSL

    IDSL is a hybrid of a digital subscriber line (DSL) and integrated services digital network (ISDN) technology that transmits data slightly faster than ISDN but much slower than most DSL services.

  • IEEE 802 wireless standards

    IEEE 802 is a collection of networking standards that cover the physical and data link layer specifications for technologies such as Ethernet and wireless.

  • IEEE 802.3

    802.3, or IEEE 802.3, is a working group of standard specifications for Ethernet, a method of packet-based physical communication in a local area network maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

  • infrared radiation (IR)

    Infrared radiation (IR), sometimes referred to simply as infrared, is a region of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum where wavelengths range from about 700 nm to 1 mm.

  • ingress filtering

    Ingress filtering is a method used by enterprises and internet service providers to prevent suspicious traffic from entering a network.

  • international private leased circuit (IPLC)

    An international private leased circuit (IPLC) is a point-to-point private line used by an organization to communicate between offices that are dispersed throughout the world.

  • internet metering

    Internet metering is a service model in which an internet service provider (ISP) keeps track of bandwidth use and charges users accordingly.

  • IPTV (Internet Protocol television)

    IPTV (Internet Protocol television) is a service that provides television programming and other video content using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite, as opposed to broadcast TV, cable TV or satellite signals.

  • IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)

    IPv6 is a set of specifications from the Internet Engineering Task Force that improves IPv4 by extending IP addresses from 32 bits to 128 bits.

  • J

    Joint Academic Network (JANET)

    The Joint Academic Network (JANET) is an internal, high-speed computer network that links the U.K. education and research community.

  • jumbo frames

    A jumbo frame is an Ethernet frame, or data packet, with a payload greater than the standard size of 1,500 bytes.

  • K

    Kbps (kilobits per second)

    In the U.S., Kbps stands for kilobits per second (thousands of bits per second) and is a measure of bandwidth (the amount of data that can flow in a given time) on a data transmission medium.

  • keystone jack

    A keystone jack is a female connector used in audio, video and data communications. It serves as a receptacle for a matching plug, which is a male connector of the same type as the jack.

  • L

    Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)

    Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is an extension of the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) used by an internet service provider (ISP) to enable the operation of a virtual private network (VPN) over the internet.

  • Link Control Protocol (LCP)

    In computer networking, Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) provides a standard way to transport multiprotocol data over point-to-point links; within PPP, Link Control Protocol (LCP) establishes, configures and tests data link internet connections.

  • local area network (LAN)

    A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and peripheral devices that share a common communications line or wireless link to a server within a distinct geographic area.

  • logical network

    A logical network is a software-defined network topology or routing that is often different than the physical network.

  • loose coupling

    Loose coupling is an approach to interconnecting the components in a system, network or software application so that those components, also called elements, depend on each other to the least extent practicable.

  • M

    MAC address (media access control address)

    A MAC address (media access control address) is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to each device connected to the network.

  • managed network services

    Managed network services are networking applications, functions and services that enterprises outsource to be remotely operated, monitored and maintained by a managed service provider (MSP).

  • Manchester encoding

    In data transmission, Manchester encoding is a form of digital encoding in which a data bit's state -- 0 or 1 -- is represented by the transition from one voltage level to another.

  • maximum segment size (MSS)

    The maximum segment size (MSS) is the largest amount of data, specified in bytes, that a computer or communications device can handle in a single, unfragmented piece.

  • maximum transmission unit (MTU)

    The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest size frame or packet -- in bytes or octets (eight-bit bytes) -- that can be transmitted across a data link.

  • MDI/MDIX (medium-dependent interface/MDI crossover)

    MDI/MDIX is a type of Ethernet port connection that uses twisted-pair cabling to link two networked devices.

  • megabits per second (Mbps)

    Megabits per second (Mbps) are units of measurement for network bandwidth and throughput. It is used to show how fast a network or internet connection is.

  • metropolitan area network (MAN)

    A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that is larger than a single building local area network (LAN) but is located in a single geographic area that is smaller than a wide area network (WAN).

  • microsegmentation

    Microsegmentation is a security technique that splits a network into definable zones and uses policies to dictate how data and applications within those zones can be accessed and controlled.

  • millimeter wave (mmWave)

    Millimeter wave (mmWave), also known as millimeter band, is a range of electromagnetic frequencies between microwaves and infrared.

  • modulation

    Modulation is the process of converting data into radio waves by adding information to an electronic or optical carrier signal.

  • multiplexing

    Multiplexing, or muxing, is a way of sending multiple signals or streams of information over a communications link at the same time in the form of a single, complex signal.

  • Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)

    Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a switching mechanism used in wide area networks (WANs).

  • mutual exclusion (mutex)

    In computer programming, a mutual exclusion (mutex) is a program object that prevents multiple threads from accessing the same shared resource simultaneously.

  • N

    NACK (NAK, negative acknowledgment, not acknowledged)

    NACK, or NAK, an abbreviation for negative acknowledgment or not acknowledged, is a signal used by computers or other devices to indicate that data transmitted over a network was received with errors or was otherwise unreadable.

  • NBASE-T Ethernet

    NBASE-T Ethernet is an IEEE standard and Ethernet-signaling technology that allows existing twisted-pair copper cabling to exceed the cable's specified limit of 1 Gbps for distances of up to 100 meters.

  • NBMA (non-broadcast multiple access)

    Non-broadcast multiple access (NBMA) is one of four network types in the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) communications protocol.

  • near-end crosstalk (NEXT)

    Near-end crosstalk (NEXT) is an error condition that can occur when connectors are attached to twisted pair cabling.

  • Nessus

    Nessus is a platform developed by Tenable that scans for security vulnerabilities in devices, applications, operating systems, cloud services and other network resources.

  • net neutrality

    Net neutrality is the concept of an open, equal internet for everyone, regardless of content consumed or the device, application or platform used.

  • NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System)

    NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) is a network service that enables applications on different computers to communicate with each other across a local area network (LAN).

  • Network Address Translation (NAT)

    A Network Address Translation (NAT) is the process of mapping an internet protocol (IP) address to another by changing the header of IP packets while in transit via a router.

  • network configuration management (NCM)

    Network configuration management is the process of organizing and maintaining information about all of the components in a computer network.

  • network fabric

    'Network fabric' is a general term used to describe underlying data network infrastructure as a whole.

  • network functions virtualization (NFV)

    Network functions virtualization (NFV) is a network architecture model designed to virtualize network services that have traditionally run on proprietary, dedicated network appliances.

  • network hub

    A network hub is a node that broadcasts data to every computer or Ethernet-based device connected to it.

  • network interface card (NIC)

    A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component, typically a circuit board or chip, installed on a computer so it can connect to a network.

  • Network layer

    Located at Layer 3 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the primary function of the network layer is to move data into and through other networks.

  • network node

    A computer network is a system of computers and computing devices that are connected via communication links.

  • network operating system (NOS)

    A network operating system (NOS) is a computer operating system (OS) that's designed primarily to support workstations, PCs and, in some instances, older terminals that are connected on a local area network (LAN).

  • network packet

    A network packet is a basic unit of data that's grouped together and transferred over a computer network, typically a packet-switched network, such as the internet.

  • network protocol

    A network protocol is a set of established rules that specify how to format, send and receive data so that computer network endpoints, including computers, servers, routers and virtual machines, can communicate despite differences in their underlying infrastructures, designs or standards.

  • network switch

    A network switch connects devices in a network to each other, enabling them to talk by exchanging data packets. Switches can be hardware devices that manage physical networks or software-based virtual devices.

  • Network Time Protocol (NTP)

    Network Time Protocol (NTP) is an internet protocol used to synchronize with computer clock time sources in a network.

  • network traffic

    Network traffic is the amount of data that moves across a network during any given time.

  • Networking (computer)

    Networking, also known as computer networking, is the practice of transporting and exchanging data between nodes over a shared medium in an information system.

  • Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP)

    Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP) is an automated configuration technology that routes data on a distributed network by discovering the best routing path between endpoints.

  • NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration)

    NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration), also called MANO, is an architectural framework for managing and orchestrating virtualized network functions (VNFs) and other software components.

  • NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure)

    NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure) encompasses all of the networking hardware and software needed to support and connect virtual network functions in carrier networks.

  • NIS (Network Information System)

    NIS (Network Information System) is a network naming and administration system for smaller networks that was developed by Sun Microsystems.

  • NVGRE (Network Virtualization using Generic Routing Encapsulation)

    NVGRE (Network Virtualization using Generic Routing Encapsulation) is a network virtualization method that uses encapsulation to create large numbers of virtual LANs (VLANs) for subnets that can extend across dispersed data centers and Layers 2 and 3.

  • What is NetOps? Everything you need to know

    NetOps, also referred to as NetOps 2.0 and NetDevOps, is an approach to networking operations that uses DevOps tools and techniques to make network changes more efficiently and effectively than in the past.

  • What is network virtualization? Everything you need to know

    Network virtualization is a method of combining the available resources in a network to consolidate multiple physical networks, divide a network into segments or create software networks between VMs.

  • O

    OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiple access)

    Orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) is a technology of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) that lets access points serve multiple clients at the same time.

  • ONOS (Open Network Operating System)

    Open Network Operating System (ONOS) is an OS designed to help network service providers build carrier-grade software-defined networks architected for high scalability, availability and performance.

  • Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)

    Open Shortest Path First, often shortened to OSPF, is an IP routing protocol used to find the best path to distribute packets as they pass through IP networks.

  • optoisolator (optical coupler or optocoupler)

    An optoisolator (also known as an optical coupler, photocoupler, optocoupler) is a semiconductor device that transfers an electrical signal between isolated circuits using light.

  • orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)

    Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is a method of data transmission where a single information stream is split among several closely spaced narrowband subchannel frequencies instead of a single wideband channel frequency.

  • OSGi (Open Service Gateway Initiative)

    The OSGi (Open Service Gateway Initiative) specification is a Java framework for developing and deploying modular software programs and libraries.

  • OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection)

    OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) is a reference model for how applications communicate over a network.

  • overlay network

    An overlay network is a virtual or logical network that is created on top of an existing physical network.

  • P

    passive optical network (PON)

    A passive optical network (PON) is a system commonly used by telecommunications network providers that brings fiber optic cabling and signals all or most of the way to the end user.

  • patch panel

    A patch panel in a local area network (LAN) is a mounted hardware assembly that contains ports that are used to connect and manage incoming and outgoing LAN cables.

  • peer-to-peer (P2P)

    Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a decentralized communications model in which each party has the same capabilities and either party can initiate a communication session.

  • physical layer

    The physical layer is the first and lowest layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model.

  • ping sweep (ICMP sweep)

    A ping sweep (also known as an ICMP sweep) is a basic network scanning technique used to determine which of a range of IP addresses map to live hosts (computers).

  • Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)

    Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) refers to the traditional, analog voice transmission phone system implemented over physical copper wires (twisted pair).

  • point-of-presence (POP)

    A point-of-presence (POP) is a point or physical location where two or more networks or communication devices build a connection from one place to the rest of the internet.

  • Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

    Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) refers to a suite of computer communication protocols that provide a standard way to transport multiprotocol data over point-to-point links.

  • Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE)

    Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) is a network protocol that facilitates communication between network endpoints.

  • poison reverse

    In a computer network that uses the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) or other distance vector routing protocol, poison reverse is a loop avoidance process.

  • port

    A port in computing has three main uses, each as a type of receptacle in networking, computer hardware and software.

  • port address translation (PAT)

    Port address translation (PAT) is a type of network address translation (NAT) that maps a network's private internal IPv4 addresses to a single public IP address.

  • port number

    Port number is a way to identify a specific process to which an internet or other network message is to be forwarded when it arrives at a server.

  • Power over Ethernet (PoE)

    Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology for implementing wired Ethernet local area networks (LANs) that enables the electrical current necessary for operating each device to be carried by Ethernet data cables instead of standard electrical power cords and wiring.

  • preboot execution environment (PXE)

    Preboot execution environment (PXE), pronounced pixie, is a set of standards that enables a computer to load an operating system (OS) over a network connection.

  • presentation layer

    The presentation layer resides at Layer 6 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model and ensures that communications that pass through it are in the appropriate form for the recipient application.

  • programmable network (network programmability)

    A programmable network is one in which the behavior of network devices and flow control is handled by software that operates independently of network hardware.

  • protocol data unit (PDU)

    In networking, a protocol data unit is the basic unit of exchange between entities that communicate using a specified networking protocol.

  • PSTN (public switched telephone network)

    The public switched telephone network, or PSTN, is the world's collection of interconnected voice-oriented public telephone networks.

  • R

    radio frequency (RF, rf)

    Radio frequency (RF) is a measurement representing the oscillation rate of electromagnetic radiation spectrum, or electromagnetic radio waves, from frequencies ranging from 300 GHz to as low as 9 kHz.

  • Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP)

    Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) is a network standard designed for transmitting audio or video data that is optimized for consistent delivery of live data.

  • remote infrastructure management

    Remote infrastructure management, or RIM, is a comprehensive approach to handling and overseeing an organization's IT infrastructure, systems and services from a remote location.

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