Glossary

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DHCP Server

• DHCP Servers provide IP Addresses and related information to DHCP Clients.
• This device can act as a DHCP Server; this feature is enabled by default.
• Using DHCP simplifies PC configuration and administration.

DHCP Client

• A "DHCP Client" will try to obtain its IP Addresses and related information from a DHCP Server when it (the client) boots or starts.
• By default, non-Server versions of Windows behave as DHCP Clients. In Windows, this setting is called "Obtain an IP Address automatically".

DMZ

• The DMZ PC will receive all "Unknown" connections and data.
• If an Internet application does not work, and it is not listed in Special Applications, try using the DMZ feature.
• The DMZ PC is effectively outside the Firewall, so has less protection. Because of this, the DMZ should be enabled only when required.

DNS (Domain Name Server)

• A DNS (Domain Name Server) converts a URL (eg www.apple.com) to an IP Address.
• If your ISP uses a Dynamic IP Address, both your IP address and the DNS address are provided when you connect.
• If using a Fixed/Static IP address, your ISP will provide the IP address of a DNS.

Domain Name (Internet)

• The "Domain Name" identifies the section of the network you are on.
• Some ISPs require that you use a particular "Domain Name", which they will specify.
• Most ISPs do NOT provide a Domain Name. It that case, the name will be ignored, and may be blank.

Domain Name (LAN)

• The "Domain Name" identifies the section of the network your PC is on.
• This is similiar to the "Workgroup" name used in Windows, or the "Zone" name used in Apple computers, but the "Domain Name" is associated with the TCP/IP network protocol, not with any operating system.

Dynamic IP Address

• Your IP Address is assigned automatically (by your ISP) when you connect to the Internet.
• If your ISP does not tell you what your Internet IP Address is, then they are using this method.
• The alternative to this system is to have a Fixed/Static IP Address.

Firewall

• A "Firewall" is a device or service which protects your LAN against external attacks.
• Firewalls work by monitoring the incoming network traffic. Invalid connections and packets are detected and deleted.
• A Firewall is a low-level network service. Incoming data is NOT checked for viruses, nor can a Firewall protect against malicious E-mail attachments.

Fixed/Static IP address (Internet)

• Your ISP allocates an IP Address to you; your always have this IP address.
• A Fixed/Static IP Address makes it easier for Internet users to connect to your LAN.
• Internet IP Addresses are registered; you cannot select an IP Address yourself.

Fixed/Static IP address (LAN)

• You manually assign an IP Address to your PC.
• In Windows, this is called "Specify an IP address".
• You can use both fixed and DHCP clients on the same LAN.

Hardware Address

• Also called "MAC Address" or "Physical Address", this is the low-level identifier for each network device.
• On a PC, the Hardware Address is in the Network card/interface.
• Some ISPs record the Hardware Address of your PC. In this case, you can copy the Hardware Address from the PC to the Broadband Router.

Hostname

• The "Hostname" identifies the computer when it connects to a Server.
• Some ISP's may require that you use a specified "Hostname"; enter it in the field provided.
• If your ISP does not provide a Hostname (most don't), this field can be ignored.

MAC Address

• Also called "Hardware Address", this is the low-level identifier for each device connected to a network.
• On a PC, the MAC Address is fixed in the Network card/interface.
• Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) record the MAC Address for the PC to which the DSL/Cable modem is connected. In this case, you can copy the Hardware Address from the PC to the Broadband Router.

NAT

• "NAT" (Network Address Translation) is the technology which allows sharing of one (1) Internet IP Address among several computers on one LAN.
• The LAN and the PCs on it are hidden from Internet users. From the Internet, there is no LAN, only a single device - the Broadband Router.

PC Database

• The "PC Database" is a list of all known devices (LAN, WLAN). This list is used whenever you need to select a PC.
• DHCP Clients are automatically added to the database, and automatically updated.
• PCs and devices using Fixed IP Address must be manually added to, and deleted from, the database.

Physical Address

• Also called "MAC Address" or "Hardware Address", this is the low-level identifier for each network device.
• On a PC, the Hardware Address is in the Network card/interface.
• Some ISPs record the Hardware Address of your PC. In this case, you can copy the Hardware Address from the PC to the Broadband Router.

PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet)

• PPPoE is used on DSL modems, typically with a "Dynamic" IP Address (IP Address is allocated upon connection.
• The ISP will explicitly refer to "PPPoE" and provide a "Username" and "Password".

PPTP

• PPTP (Peer-to-Peer Tunneling Protocol) is used mostly in Europe.
• The ISP will provide the PPTP Server IP Address, and a "Username" & "Password" for login to the Server.
• Although using the same technology, this connection method has nothing to do with a Virtual Private Network.

Special Application

• Special Applications are any Internet applications which normally cannot work through the Firewall.
• If an application does not work, see if it is listed in the Special Applications.
• If not listed, try using the DMZ feature.

URL Filter

• This feature allows you to block access to Web sites by defining "filter strings". If the "filter string" appears in a requested URL, the request is blocked.
• Enabling this also affects the Internet "Access Log". If enabled, the "Destination" field in the log will display the URL. Otherwise, it will display the IP Address.

How do I add PCs to the List?

• If a PC is not listed in the "PC Database", try re-starting the PC.
  All DHCP Clients (on the LAN) are automatically added and updated, but DHCP functions only on start-up.
• If your PC uses a fixed IP Address, you can add it to the "PC Database", using the "LAN" screen.