Overview
Router Glossary¶
Internet
The logical interface representing the router’s upstream connection to a public network, typically an ISP, responsible for IP address acquisition, routing, and default gateway assignment.
WAN
(Wide Area Network) A network interface that connects the local routing domain to external networks across large geographic distances, serving as the primary ingress and egress point for Internet traffic.
DHCP
A method where the ISP's server automatically assigns an IP address to your router upon connection.
LAN
(Local Area Network) A private network segment managed by the router, providing internal IP addressing, switching, and local traffic forwarding among connected devices.
Switch Glossary¶
Broadcast
A network transmission method where data is sent from one sender to all devices on the same local network segment.
Duplex
Refers to the data transmission mode. Half-duplex allows one-way communication at a time; Full-duplex allows simultaneous two-way communication.
Multicast
A transmission method where a single sender sends data to a specific group of interested receivers.
Uplink
A port, often with higher speed, used to connect a local switch to a core switch, router, or the wider network.