Networking Glossary

Bandwidth - Bandwidth describes the maximum data transfer rate of a network or Internet connection. It measures how much data can be sent over a specific connection in a given amount of time. For example, a gigabit Ethernet connection has a bandwidth of 1,000 Mbps (125 megabytes per second).

Church Network Manager (CNM) - a web-based tool that allows stake technology specialists, prevents devices from using the wireless network

Default Gateway - A switch is a piece of networking hardware that links multiple devices together on a network. Switches are typically small, flat boxes that contain a group of Ethernet ports , as few as four on a small home office switch that sits on a desk, or up to several dozen on a rack-mounted enterprise switch.

DHCP - Stands for "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol." DHCP is a protocol that automatically assigns a unique IP address to each device that connects to a network. With DHCP, there is no need to manually assign IP addresses to new devices. Therefore, no user configuration is necessary to connect to a DHCP-based network.

DHCP server - A DHCP Server is a network server that automatically provides and assigns IP addresses, default gateways and other network parameters to client devices. It relies on the standard protocol known as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol or DHCP to respond to broadcast queries by clients.

DNS - Stands for "Domain Name System."Domain names serve as memorizable names for websites and other services on the Internet. However, computers access Internet devices by their IP addresses. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing you to access an Internet location by its domain name.

DNS Servers - The Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the Internet. When users type domain names such as ‘google.com’ or ‘nytimes.com’ into web browsers, DNS is responsible for finding the correct IP address for those sites. A server is a device or program dedicated to providing services to other programs, referred to as ‘clients’.

Download Speed - measures how fast the connection can receive data from the internet and is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The ISP download speed will typically be higher than the upload speed. Download speed is important for meetinghouse tasks such as streaming Church media for lessons, receiving webcasts, and participating in personal video conferencing.

Facilities Management Groups (FMGs) - facility management group (FMG) is to purchase, install, set up, and replace any necessary networking equipment. Responsible for finding and establishing an agreement

Facility Zone (Marc Lunt to provide definition)

Filter Policies - Blocks access to websites and inappropriate content such as gambling, file sharing, adult content, gaming, entertainment, and some social media sites. This new consolidated filter policy will allow app store downloads and updates including Church-related apps. This filter policy will also allow access to Youtube.com

Firewalls -  A barrier between a trusted system or network and outside connections, such as the Internet. However, a computer firewall is more of a filter than a wall, allowing trusted data to flow through it.

A firewall can be created using either hardware or software.  

Gateway - A gateway is a hardware device that acts as a "gate" between two networks. It may be a router, firewall, server, or another device that enables traffic to flow in and out of the network.

Local Area Network - A LAN is a network of connected devices that exist within a specific location. LANs may be found in homes, offices, educational institutions, and other areas.

A LAN may be wired, wireless, or a combination of the two. A standard wired LAN uses Ethernet to connect devices together. Wireless LANs are typically created using a Wi-Fi signal

Local Area Network Port - A LAN port is a connection on a firewall that allows devices to connect to a local area network

IP Address - An IP address, or simply an "IP," is a unique address that identifies a device on the Internet or a local network. It allows a system to be recognized by other systems connected via the Internet protocol. There are two primary types of IP address formats used today — IPv4 and IPv6.

IP Address Reservation - assigns a specific, permanent IP address to a device by linking it to the device's unique MAC address through a network's DHCP server.

Internet Service Provider - Stands for "Internet Service Provider." An ISP provides access to the Internet. Whether you're at home or work, each time you connect to the Internet, your connection is routed through an ISP.

Internet Service Provider Modem -  

Local Area Network ports - a physical socket on devices like routers, computers, and game consoles that uses an Ethernet cable to connect to a local network.

Named Server - a computer application that implements a network service for providing responses to queries against a directory service, helping to connect URLs with the IP address of web servers as an important part of the Domain Name System (DNS)

Media Access Control - A MAC address is a string of numbers and letters that acts as a unique identifier for each device. By knowing the MAC addresses of devices on the network, you can more easily identify and troubleshoot issues.

Network Alerts - Triggered based on a predefined set of events available in the Meraki API. Not all supported events were selected, but the CNM team has chosen those most relevant to most users. These events will be enumerated later in this document.

Ping - Measures the latency of the internet connection in milliseconds (ms). It is the measure of the speed of a reply from a network device. Smaller ping results mean the connection is more responsive, which helps tasks like streaming, webcasts, and personal video conferencing.

Power over Ethernet – A networking technology that delivers electrical power and data simultaneously over standard Ethernet cables (Cat5e or higher). This eliminates the need for separate power supplies for network devices such as access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones. PoE adheres to IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+) standards, delivering up to 15.4W and 30W respectively.

Public Zone (Marc Lunt to provide definition)

Sensor Alerts - triggered by events detected by one of the optional Meraki sensors.  

Stake Technology Specialists (STSs) -  

Subnet - A subnet, or subnetwork, is a network inside a network. Subnets make networks more efficient. Through subnetting, network traffic can travel a shorter distance without passing through unnecessary routers to reach its destination.

Subnet mask - A 32-bit number that determines which parts of an IP address are allocated for network and host identifiers, distinguishing the network portion from the host portion.

Switches - A switch is a piece of networking hardware that links multiple devices together on a network. Switches are typically small, flat boxes that contain a group of Ethernet ports — as few as 4 on a small home office switch that sits on a desk, or up to several dozen on a rack-mounted enterprise switch

Switch Port - A switch is a piece of networking hardware that links multiple devices together on a network. Switches are typically small, flat boxes that contain a group of Ethernet ports — as few as 4 on a small home office switch that sits on a desk, or up to several dozen on a rack-mounted enterprise switch.

Technology specialists (TSs) - are responsible for ensuring that meetinghouse switches remain connected and functioning, ensuring that meetinghouse networks and interconnected devices are functioning properly

Upload Speed - measures how fast the connection can send data to others over the internet and is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The ISP upload speed will typically be lower than the download speed. Upload speed is important for meetinghouse tasks such as sending MLS/LCR data to Church headquarters, streaming webcasts, and participating in personal video conferencing.

Wireless Access Points - A WAN is a computer network that spans a wide geographic area. It connects local networks from different locations together to serve as a network of smaller networks. Businesses, schools, and other organizations maintain their own WANs to connect devices and share data across multiple sites. The Internet is the most prominent example of a WAN, connecting computers and networks worldwide.