CertiGuide to Network+  9  Glossary

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Protocol

A set of rules and conventions by which two computers pass messages across a network. Networking software usually implements multiple levels of protocols layered one on top of another. Windows NT and Windows 2000 include NetBEUI, TCP/IP, and IPX/SPX-compatible protocols.

To perform a function on someone’s behalf. Proxy Servers combine multiple users for Internet access and collect information through a single connection on behalf of the multiple users. Access control and firewalls can be added to proxy features.

A firewall component that manages Internet traffic to and from a local area network and can provide other features, such as document caching and access control. A proxy server can improve performance by supplying frequently requested data, such as a popular Web page, and can filter and discard requests that the owner does not consider appropriate, such as requests for unauthorized access to proprietary files.

The world-wide network of phone companies.

The non-secret half of a cryptographic key pair that is used with a public key algorithm. Public keys are typically used to verify digital signatures or decrypt data that has been encrypted with the corresponding private key.

A method of cryptography in which two different but complimentary keys are used: a public key and a private key for providing security functions. Public key cryptography is also called asymmetric key cryptography.

The Internet is a public network. Every host (device) on the public network requires a unique IP number.

Standard analog telephone lines, available worldwide.

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