Glossary

Here are some key terms and concepts associated with OS X networking:
Addressing
A scheme determined by network protocols for identifying the sending device and receiving
device for any given item of information on a network.
Bonjour
Bonjour is Apple's implementation of the Zero Configuration Networking Standard. Bonjour
uses industry standard IP protocols to allow devices to automatically discover each other
without the need to enter IP addresses or configure DNS servers. Bonjour is a software
component running in Macs with Mac OS X and in AirPort base stations and AirPort Time
Capsule products.
DHCP
Abbreviation for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol used to distribute IP
addresses to client computers. Each time a client computer starts up, the protocol looks for
a DHCP server and then requests an IP address from the first DHCP server it finds. The DHCP
server checks for an available IP address and sends it to the client computer along with a
lease period indicating the length of time for which the client computer may use the
address.
DNS
Abbreviation for Domain Name System. A distributed database that maps IP addresses to
domain names. A DNS server, also known as a name server, keeps a list of names and their
associated IP addresses.
Dynamic IP address
An IP address that is assigned for a limited period of time or until the client computer no
longer needs the IP address.
Ethernet
A 10/100/1000 megabits-per-second (Mbit/s) network standard. A protocol for
communication and file transfer across a network.
IP
Abbreviation for Internet Protocol. A computer's unique Internet address, such as
128.223.32.35, that identifies it on a TCP/IP-protocol network. Many computers also have
domain names assigned to them that represent IP addresses as words that are easier to
remember, such as www.apple.com.
IPv6
An extended scheme of IP addresses, using 128-bit IP addresses, that allows for more IP
addresses than current system, IPv4, which uses 32-bit IP addresses.
LAN
Acronym for Local Area Network. Also, a port on AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, and AirPort
Time Capsule that is typically used for connecting wired Ethernet computers or printers to
the station. This allows them to communicate with wireless computers, to share an Internet
connection, or both.
Link
Any data transmission medium (like wires, infrared waves, or radio waves) shared by a set of
nodes and used for communication among the nodes.

MAC Address
Another name for the networking hardware address of the wireless network interface on a
Mac, AirPort base station, or AirPort Time Capsule. This MAC address can be used to grant a
computer access to a secured Wi-Fi network that employs MAC address access control. MAC
stands for Media Access Control.
mDNS
Abbreviation for Multicast Domain Name Service. Part of the Bonjour protocol in Mac OS X,
mDNS is used for discovery of services on the local network.
NAT
Acronym for Network Address Translation. A technique sometimes used so that multiple
computers can share a single IP address.
Node
Any computer, printer, or other electronic device that could potentially communicate with
another device (node) over the network.
Non-routable address
An IP address within the range of addresses defined for a private network. There are three
designated IP address ranges of private networks (one for each class of IP address):

10.0.0.0 10.255.255.255 (class A)

172.16.0.0 172.31.255.255 (class B)

192.168.0.0 192.168.255.255 (class C)

These addresses are private because they are not globally delegated, meaning they aren't
allocated to a specific organization. Anyone can use these addresses without approval from
a regional Internet registry. Consequently, they are not routable within the public Internet. If
such a private network needs to connect to the Internet, it must use either a network
address translator (NAT) gateway, or a proxy server.
AirPort base stations and AirPort Time Capsules function as NAT gateways. The most
common use of these addresses is in home networks, since most Internet Service Providers
(ISPs) only allocate a single IP address to each residential customer, but many homes have
more than one networked device (for example, several computers and a printer).
AirPort base stations and AirPort Time Capsules include a built-in DHCP server that can
assign client IP addresses in any of the above three private address ranges.
Octet
A group of eight bits. Each octet has eight positions when viewed in binary form. An IPv4
address has four octets, for a total of 32 bits, that are written in decimal form and separated
by dots. Example: 192.168.12.34.
Open Directory
A directory service is one that stores and organizes information about a computer network's
users and network resources.
Ping
Acronym for Packet Inter-Network Groper. A utility used to send a network packet to a
designated address to confirm a response. Ping is also used to describe the act of using the
ping utility.
PPP
Abbreviation for Point-to-Point Protocol. A protocol for dial-up modem access.

PPPoE
Abbreviation for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet. Some DSL and cable modem Internet
service providers require PPPoE to connect to the Internet. If you were given a user name
and password to enter in Network preferences, you probably connect using PPPoE.
Protocol
Rules (or languages) that govern how devices on a network communicate with each other.
Proxy
The use of one computer or device to make requests on behalf of another over a network.
Proxies are often used for Internet security, or to control connections.
RADIUS
A type of security database used to authorize clients on a network.
Routable address
An IP address directly accessible from the Internet. Only one device on the Internet has that
particular IP address. Routable addresses must be assigned by a regional Internet registry.
Router
A device that connects networks together, isolating traffic within each network. A router
receives data transmitted from other networks and retransmits it to its proper destination
using the most efficient route. AirPort base stations and AirPort Time Capsule products are
examples of routers.
SNMP
Abbreviation for Simple Network Management Protocol. An industry-standard protocol
providing uniform commands to monitor and control aspects of a network, regardless of
platform.
Static IP address
An IP address that is assigned once to a computer or device and is never changed.
TCP/IP
Abbreviation for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. These are two of the main
Internet protocols. To connect a computer to the Internet, the computer must have some
kind of TCP/IP communication software installed on it.
Topology
The physical layout of the cables and devices on a network.
VPN
Abbreviation for Virtual Private Network. A network protocol that enables connections to
secure network resources through private tunnels over the public Internet. Mac OS X
supports both PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) or L2TP over IPSec (Layer Two
Tunneling Protocol) on an existing Internet connection.
WAN
Acronym for Wide Area Network. Also, a port on AirPort Extremes and AirPort Time Capsules
that is typically used for connecting to digital subscriber line (DSL), a cable modem, or a
wide area network (WAN), such as an existing school or business network.