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Glossary
Alias
An alias is another name assigned to a host name that can be used in place of the host name (plus domain name). Aliases are often used to shorten long host names for convenience.
Baud rate
The rate (measured in bits per second) at which the serial port for the MONITOR server will communicate with the modem.
Binary
Binary describes a numbering scheme in which there are only two possible values for each digit: 0 and 1. The term also refers to any digital encoding/decoding system in which there are exactly two possible states
Bit
A bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest unit of data in a computer. A bit has a single binary value, either 0 or 1.
Broadcast Address
To simultaneously send the same message to multiple recipients. Broadcasting is a useful feature in e-mail systems. It is also supported by some fax systems. In networking, a distinction is made between broadcasting and multicasting. Broadcasting sends a message to everyone on the network whereas multicasting sends a message to a select list of recipients
Client
A client is a program running on a networked computer that requests services from a server program, which is usually running on another networked computer. The client communicates with the server using a protocol. For example, an FTP client communicates with an FTP server using the FTP protocol.
Community Name
Community names are used like passwords to limit access to a device's SNMP data. The network administrator can assign a community name within the SNMP agent, or manager, on a device. The network management application can access data on the device only if it knows the community name.
DLL
Dynamic Link Library is a library of executable functions that can be used by an application. A DLL provides one or more functions and a program accesses the functions by creating a link to the DLL.
Domain
A term that refers to the subdivisions of the Internet network. Domain can mean the major subdivision of which your network is a part (.com, edu, .gov, .net, .us, .uk) or it can refer to your part of the network (ipswitch.com). See also Domain Name System.
Domain Name System
A distributed database system that translates host names (for example, tortoise.ipswitch.com) to IP addresses (for example, 156.21.50.10). All hosts on the Internet are named using the conventions specified by the Domain Name System. Host Names are used because they are easier to remember than numerical addresses (IP addresses). An example host and domain name is tortoise.ipswitch.com, where tortoise is the host name, and ipswitch.com is the domain name. The domain represents the network where the host is located.
Domain name server
A host that keeps a table of host names and IP addresses, and provides the lookup service for client programs. A domain name server is used by client programs to look up the IP address of a host. A domain name server provides host name to IP address mapping for the local network and provides access to the Domain Name System to look up hosts in other domains.
A primary name server contains all the information for the domain in its database files. If you add a second name server for backup or to off-load the primary server, you can set it up as a secondary server. A secondary name server obtains its domain information by copying the database files from the name server that is primary for that domain. The advantage of using secondary servers is that you can maintain the domain information on one name server (the primary).
EGP
Exterior Gateway Protocol is used for exchanging routing information between 2 neighbor gateway hosts (each with its own router) in a network of autonomous systems. EGP is commonly used between hosts on the Internet to exchange routing table information. The routing table contains a list of known routers, the addresses they can reach, and a cost metric associated with the path to each router so that the best available route is chosen. Each router polls its neighbor at intervals between 120-480 seconds and the neighbor responds by sending its complete routing table.
Ethernet
Ethernet is the most widely-installed local area network (LAN) technology. An Ethernet LAN typically uses coaxial cable or special grades of twisted pair wires. Ethernet is also used in wireless LANs
Event
An event is an unsolicited occurrence on your network that WhatsUp Gold can detect or listen for. WhatsUp Gold can detect Windows NT event log entries, and can listen for Syslog entries, and SNMP traps. Within WhatsUp Gold, this is an extensible plug-in system that can be grown to include asynchronous occurrences outside of polling.
Finger
Finger protocol is a common Internet language that allows remote users to see information about users registered on a system. This includes the full name of the specified user, his or her complete e-mail address and a "plan" file provide by the user that contains additional information the user wishes to provide in response to Finger requests.
FTP
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. This is one of the standard protocols defined for use on a TCP/IP network and used to transfer files between systems.
Gate host
Gate Host is the name of another host to send mail to when the mail cannot be delivered directly to the destination host.
Gateway
A gateway is a network point that acts as an entrance to another network. On the Internet, a node or stopping point can be either a gateway node or a host (end-point) node. Both the computers of Internet users and the computers that serve pages to users are host nodes. The computers that control traffic within your company's network or at your local Internet service provider (ISP) are gateway nodes
Host
The term "host" is used in several contexts, in each of which it has a slightly different meaning: In Internet protocol specifications, the term "host" means any computer that has full two-way access to other computers on the Internet. A host has a specific "local or host number" that, together with the network number, forms its unique IP address. For companies or individuals with a Web site, a host is a computer with a Web server that serves the pages for one or more Web sites. A host can also be the company that provides that service, which is known as hosting.
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), the underlying protocol used by the World Wide Web. HTTP defines how messages (text, images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) are formatted and transmitted, and what actions Web servers and browsers should take in response to various commands. For example, when you enter a URL in your browser, this actually sends an HTTP command to the Web server directing it to fetch and transmit the requested Web page. Relative to the TCP/IP suite of protocols (which are the basis for information exchange on the Internet), HTTP is an application protocol.
Hub
In data communications, a hub is a place of meeting where data arrives from one or more directions and is forwarded out in one or more other directions. A hub usually includes a switch of some kind. (And a product that is called a "switch" could usually be considered a hub as well.) The difference seems to be that the hub is the place where data comes together and the switch is what determines how and where data is forwarded from the place where data comes together. See also Switch.
ICMP
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is a message control and error-reporting protocol between a host server and a gateway to the Internet. ICMP uses Internet Protocol (IP) datagrams, but the messages are processed by the IP software and are not directly apparent to the application user.
ICMP Ping
A ping command that uses ICMP to test an internet connection.
IMAP4
Internet Message Access Protocol version 4 (IMAP4) is a method of accessing electronic mail messages that are kept on a (possibly shared) mail server. It permits a client e-mail application to access remote message stores as if they were local.
in-addr.arpa domain
A special domain on the Internet that maps IP addresses to domain names. This domain is used to do reverse lookups, where the IP address is known and the application is querying for the host name.
Internet
The Internet, sometimes called simply "the Net," is a worldwide system of computer networks - a network of networks in which users at any one computer can, if they have permission, get information from any other computer (and sometimes talk directly to users at other computers).
IP (Internet Protocol)
The protocol that determines how packets (bundles of data) traverse the Internet network to find their destination. See also TCP.
IP address
All hosts on the Internet are identified by a unique numeric code, called the IP address. 156.21.50.1 is an IP address. The Domain Name System is used to map the IP address to a name.
IPX
IPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange) is a networking protocol from Novell that interconnects networks that use Novell's NetWare clients and servers. IPX is a datagram or packet protocol. IPX works at the Network layer of communication protocols and is connectionless (that is, it doesn't require that a connection be maintained during an exchange of packets as, for example, a regular voice phone call does).
LAN
A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line and typically share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building).
LDAP
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol is a way of accessing directory information stored on a server. It permits an LDAP-enabled client to search for and view user information stored in an LDAP directory.
List server
A List server provides an automated way to manage mail discussion groups. All messages for a mail discussion group received by a List server are sent to all the members of that mail discussion group.The List server manages the adding and removal of users from the subscriber list and the distribution of messages to all subscribed users.
MAC Address
On a local area network (LAN) or other network, the MAC (Media Access Control) address is your computer's unique hardware number. (On an Ethernet LAN, it's the same as your Ethernet address.) When you're connected to the Internet from your computer (or host as the Internet protocol thinks of it), a correspondence table relates your IP address to your computer's physical (MAC) address on the LAN.
Name server
Net Mask
In administering Internet sites, a netmask is a string of 0's and 1's that mask or screen out the network part of an IP address (IP) so that only the host computer part of the address remains. A frequently-used netmask is 255.255.255.0. (255 is the decimal equivalent of a binary string of eight ones.) Used for a Class C subnet (one with up to 255 host computers), the ".0" in the "255.255.255.0" netmask allows the specific host computer address to be visible.
Network
In information technology, a network is a series of points or nodes interconnected by communication paths. Networks can interconnect with other networks and contain subnetworks.
Node
In a network, a node is a connection point, either a redistribution point or an end point for data transmissions. In general, a node has programmed or engineered capability to recognize and process or forward transmissions to other nodes
ODBC
Open DataBase Connectivity is a standard database access method that makes it possible to access data from any application, regardless of which database management system(DBMS) is handling the data. ODBC inserts a layer, called a database driver, between an application and the DBMS. This layer translates the application's data queries into commands that the DBMS understands.
Packet
A packet is the unit of data that is routed between an origin and a destination on the Internet or any other packet-switched network.
Payload
The event payload is the vital data that is being passed within a packet or other transmission unit. An event payload can include things like the event name, the IP address that the event came from, date of the event, etc. The payload does not include the "overhead" data required to get the packet to its destination. Generally speaking, the payload is the bits that get delivered to the end user at the destination.
POP3
Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) is the most common protocol for communicating with a mail server (otherwise known as a post office) to retrieve messages for a user. Since POP3 servers are always available to receive incoming mail, individual users do not have to have their PCs turned on at all times. POP3 servers hold mail for users until they connect to download their messages.
Protocol
A set of rules that define how computers will exchange information.
Request for Comments (RFC)
A set of documents that define the Internet standards. RFCs are also used to propose new standards, or extensions to existing standards.
Router
On the Internet, a router is a device that determines the next network point to which a packet should be forwarded toward its target. The router is linked to at least two networks and decides which route to send each information packet based on its current understanding of the condition of the networks it is connected to. A router is located at any gateway (where one network joins another), including each Internet point of presence. A router is often included as part of a network switch.
Server
A server is a program running on a networked computer that processes requests for services from a client program, which is usually running on another networked computer. The client and server communicate using a protocol. For example, an FTP client communicates with an FTP server using the FTP protocol.
Service
"Service" is a formal Windows NT/2000 term for an executable object installed in a registry database maintained by NT/2000's Service Control Manager. A service can be automatically started when the system is booted and continues to run until the system is shut down. It will continue to run even when no one is logged on the system. See also TCP/IP.
SMS
SMS (Short Message Service) is a service for sending messages of up to 160 characters (224 characters if using a 5-bit mode) to mobile phones that use Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is designed to efficiently and reliably transfer mail across TCP/IP networks, including the Internet. SMTP defines the interaction between mail systems to facilitate the transfer of electronic mail even when the mail systems are on different types of computers or running different operating systems. SMTP is required to send or receive mail over the Internet.
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is the protocol governing network management and the monitoring of network devices and their functions. It is not necessarily limited to TCP/IP networks.
SNMP Trap
An unsolicited message sent from an SNMP agent (such as a router or personal computer on a network) to the SNMP manager (in our case, WhatsUp Gold) to alert it of some extraordinary circumstance.
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is used for communications between a browser and server. SSL encrypts mail communications so they can be read only by the intended recipients. SSL uses "certificates" to authenticate the client and server, and uses a public/private key "pair" to encrypt and decrypt communications. All of the major browsers are SSL enabled.
Subnet
A subnet (short for "subnetwork") is an identifiably separate part of an company's network. Usually, a subnet may represent all the machines at one location, on a particular floor, or on the same local area network (LAN). Having an company's network divided into subnets allows it to be connected to the Internet with a single shared network address.
Switch
A switch is a network device that selects a path for sending a component of data to its next destination. A switch may also include the function of the router, a device or program that can ascertain the route and specifically what neighboring network point the data should be sent to. See also Hub.
Syslog Entry
A syslog entry is used to examine syslog messages forwarded from other devices for a specific record and/or specific text within a record. Usually syslog messages are forwarded from the "syslog" on a system that runs UNIX, but they can also come from non-UNIX devices as well. They might contain anything that you want permanently logged, such as a device failure, or an attempt to log in to the system.
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol; the protocol that controls how data is assembled and disassembled in packets. See also IP.
TCP/IP
(The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the protocol suite that drives the Internet. Specifically, TCP/IP handles network communications between network nodes (computers, or nodes, connected to the net). The suite is actually composed of several protocols including IP which handles the movement of data between host computers, TCP which manages the movement of data between applications, UDP which also manages the movement of data between applications but is less complex and reliable than TCP, and ICMP which transmits error messages and network traffic statistics. Many Internet users are familiar with the even higher layer application protocols that use TCP/IP to get to the Internet. These include the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), the File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Telnet (Telnet) which lets you logon to remote computers, and the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). These and other protocols are often packaged together with TCP/IP as a "suite."
Telnet
Telnet is the way you can access someone else's computer, assuming they have given you permission. (Such a computer is frequently called a host computer.) More technically, Telnet is a user command and an underlying TCP/IP protocol for accessing remote computers. On the Web, HTTP and FTP protocols allow you to request specific files from remote computers, but not to actually be logged on as a user of that computer. With Telnet, you log on as a regular user with whatever privileges you may have been granted to the specific application and data on that computer.
Token Ring
A token ring network is a local area network (LAN) in which all computers are connected in a ring or star topology and a binary digit - or token-passing scheme is used in order to prevent the collision of data between two computers that want to send messages at the same time
Topology
A topology (from the Greek word "topos", meaning place) is a description of any kind of locality in terms of its physical layout. In the context of communication networks, a topology describes pictorially the configuration or arrangement of a (usually conceptual) network, including its nodes and connecting lines.
Trap
A trap is an unsolicited SNMP message sent from a device to indicate a change in status, such as a router indicating one of its interfaces went down or a printer indicating that it is out of paper.
UDP
User Datagram Protocol; a transmission protocol for uses that do not require the control and error checking of TCP.
Whois
The Whois protocol is a common Internet language that allows remote users to search for mail addresses of users.
Windows Log Entry
A windows log entry is a Windows Event Viewer entry monitored by WhatsUp Gold. This could be monitoring when a service is started or stopped, if there was a logon failure, or any other entry in the Windows Event Viewer.
Winsock
Winsock is a specification that developers of TCP/IP network software for Microsoft Windows use as a guideline for the standard application programming interface to their network software.
Wireless LAN
A wireless LAN is one in which a mobile user can connect to a local area network (LAN) through a wireless (radio) connection.
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