Reprinted from the Cayman GatorBox manual, Appendix A: Glossary (available from ftp.cayman.com as glossary.txt and glossary.ps). Terms and definitions in italics were added by this editor.
AARP - AppleTalk Address Resolution Protocol. See ARP.
access privileges - The permissions assigned to an AppleShare user that determine whether the user can read and/or modify the contents of files on a server.
active window - Frontmost window on the Macintosh screen; identified by highlighted title bar.
addressing - Method used by a network protocol to identify the source and destination nodes for data transmitted on a network.
address - Unique designation for a device on a network that lets other devices direct messages to it.
address resolution - Conversion of an internet address into a corresponding physical address. See ARP. - adjacent - Node on the same physical network as the local node (DECnet)
ADSP - AppleTalk Data Stream Protocol
AFP - AppleTalk Filing Protocol; responsible for access to files stored on a remote file server
ALAP - AppleTalk Link Access Protocol; responsible for node-to-node delivery of data on a single AppleTalk network and for assigning unique node identifiers to each station on an AppleTalk network
ALAP frame - Variable-length packet of data preceded and followed by control information. The ALAP frame header specifies the node identifiers of the frame's destination and source nodes, which are used to deliver and acknowledge transmission of frames. The ALAP frame trailer contains packet validation information, which is used by the receiving node to detect transmission errors
AppleDouble - File format that stores a Macintosh file's data and resource information in separate files. Non-Macintosh applications can ignore the resource file and access the data file exclusively
AppleSingle - File format that stores a Macintosh file's data and resource information in separate parts of one file. Typically used for archiving files
AppleShare - Software for AppleTalk file service developed by Apple
AppleShare client - Computer accessing information stored on the AppleShare server
AppleShare server - Computer used to store information for use by authorized AppleShare clients
AppleTalk - Macintosh network protocols that allow Macintoshes to communicate with printers, file servers, and other devices over LocalTalk, Ethernet, or other cabling systems
AppleTalk address - The network number, node number and identification number of a socket
AppleTalk cable - See LocalTalk
AppleTalk Link Access Protocol - See ALAP
AppleTalk port - Serial port on an AppleTalk device used for network communication
AppleTalk routing - GatorBox function that lets EtherTalk or TokenTalk-based Macintoshes access LaserWriters and AppleShare servers running on AppleTalk and lets LocalTalk-based Macintoshes access AppleShare servers on Ethernet. Permits AppleTalk devices in different zones to communicate.
AppleTalk Phase 1 Routing - The original AppleTalk routing protocol designed for small networks. Both EtherTalk and LocalTalk networks under Phase 1 routing are limited to one network number, one zone name, and 254 nodes per network segment.
AppleTalk Phase 2 Routing - Extension of the original AppleTalk routing protocol that allows a range of network numbers to be assigned to a single Ethernet segment. This expands the maximum number of nodes per segment from 253 to approximately 16 million.
area - A set of related networks on a DECnet internet
ARAP - AppleTalk Remote Access Protocol; software developed by Apple that lets a remote Macintosh with a modem exchange information with devices on an AppleTalk network over standard telephone lines
ARP - Address Resolution Protocol; TCP/IP protocol responsible for determining the network hardware address corresponding to a network protocol address. Compare RARP
ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange (pronounced ASK-ee). Code in which numbers from 0 to 255 represent individual characters, such as letters, numbers and punctuation marks; used in text representation and communications protocols
ASP - AppleTalk Session Protocol; responsible for establishing, maintaining, and closing sessions between a user and a server
AT - AppleTalk - atalkad - AppleTalk administration daemon that enables a UNIX-based server to administer multiple gateways on Ethernet
ATP - AppleTalk Transaction Protocol; responsible for providing reliable transport for AppleTalk network services
A/UX - Implementation of UNIX developed by Apple that runs on Macintosh II and SE/30 computers
backbone - Network topology consisting of an Ethernet cable connecting two or more AppleTalk networks
bandwidth - The range of transmission frequencies available on a network. Greater bandwidth means that a network can carry more information at one time
bit - The smallest unit of information in a binary notation system; a binary digit (0 or 1)
BNC connector - Coaxial connector used with Thin Ethernet
boot - To start a device or system
bridge - Device connecting two or more networks of the same type, where the bridge determines which packets should be passed from one network to another. Compare gateway, repeater, router
broadcast - Method of addressing nodes on network where every host hears every transmission
CAP - Columbia AppleTalk Package; UNIX software package that implements AppleTalk protocols on a UNIX-based server
card - Expansion board inserted into the chassis of a computer or workstation to add memory, network interfaces, or input/output ports
checksum - Value used to detect transmission errors when data packets are sent from one host to another. Typically, the sending host computes the checksum for a transmission and appends the information to a packet when transmitting. The receiving host recomputes the checksum value and compares it to the value sent. If the calculated value does not match the received value, the packet is corrupted and is usually discarded
Chooser - Macintosh desk accessory that lets you control whether the AppleTalk network is active and allows you to access and use remote devices and volumes
Chooser name - Name entered in the User Name field of the Chooser. The Chooser name identifies a Macintosh to other devices on the AppleTalk network
Class A/B/C internet address - See IP address
client - Any network node that accesses files or peripherals provided by network servers
coaxial cable - Network wiring medium composed of a central core wire, a layer of insulation, a second wire layer, and an external insulation layer
config.tel file - Configuration text file used by NCSA Telnet to establish parameters governing gateways, terminal emulation, and servers
cost - Number indicating the relative efficiency of communication between two nodes on a path. A low number indicates relatively high efficiency (low cost)
daemon - A UNIX process running in the background that is responsible for a specific function or activity, such as network administration or print spooling. For example, the mountd daemon services volume mount requests
datagram - Packet transmitted by DDP or UDP; basic unit of network transfer for connectionless networks
DDP - Datagram Delivery Protocol; responsible for delivery of datagrams over AppleTalk networks on an internet
DECnet - Network architecture developed by Digital Equipment Corporation that allows peer-to-peer communication
default - Preset response to a question or prompt that is used by the computer if you don't supply a different response
DESKTOP file - Invisible Macintosh resource file that identifies the name and version number of the application responsible for creating a document. The .DESKTOP file allows you to open an application by clicking on a document icon. GatorShare maintains a separate .DESKTOP file on each NFS server
directory - A file containing names and access information about other files, including other directories.
domain - A hierarchical naming convention that identifies a machine or set of machines on an internet that are administered together. A domain name is divided into subnames separated by periods. For example, in the DOC.YOYODYNE.COM domain name, COM is the top level domain and YOYODYNE and DOC identify second- and third-level subdomains
download server - Device from which a GatorBox obtains its configuration files and software during startup. See primary download server, secondary download server
dynamic addressing - In MacTCP, a method for Macs on an Ethernet to select an IP address from a predefined range (not the same as dynamic address as defined by GatorBox and Fastpath).
dynamic addressing - A method for Macs on a LocalTalk or EtherTalk network to get their IP address from an AppleTalk/IP Gateway such as a GatorBox or Fastpath. (This method is called dynamic addressing in the GatorBox/Fastpath manuals, but is different from the "dynamic" obtain address option in MacTCP.)
electronic mail (e-mail) - Network service that lets users send and receive messages over a network
encapsulation - Technique used to enclose information formatted for one protocol, such as AppleTalk, within a packet formatted for a different protocol, such as TCP/IP
entity - Any device or process on an internet. In the AppleTalk protocols, each entity has an entity name in the form object:type@zone, where the object and type fields are specified by a socket client and the zone field identifies the zone in which the socket client is located. For example, CORP:LaserWriter@CORPZONE identifies the LaserWriter called CORP in the CORPZONE zone. See NBP
EPROM - Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
/etc/exports file - File listing the filesystems on a server that can be accessed by a remote user and the restrictions on access for each filesystem
/etc/group table - ASCII file residing on an IP host that maps numerical group IDs to user names
/etc/hosts file - File residing on an IP host that lists the IP addresses and names of hosts authorized to access the server
/etc/passwd - Security file containing the login names, encrypted passwords, and other important identification for all users authorized to log in to a specific computer
Ethernet - High-performance (10 megabits per second) cabling system developed by Xerox, Intel, and Digital Equipment Corporation that links computers and peripheral devices on a network. Sometimes used to refer to the protocols for transferring information across Ethernet cabling. See thin Ethernet, thick Ethernet
EtherTalk - Protocol for sending data in AppleTalk packets over Ethernet cabling, typically by means of an Ethernet interface card. (Compare LocalTalk.) - export - NFS process where a server "advertises" the directories it makes available to NFS clients
file locking - Technique to prevent simultaneous updates to a file by more than one user
file name mapping - Service that translates a file name legal on one system to a file name that is legal on a different system. For example, file name mapping translates Macintosh file names (which can include / (slash) characters) to NFS (UNIX) file names (which can include : (colon) characters) and back
file server - Network computer that stores and manages files and applications in shared or private directories or folders
fixed routing - See static routing
flash EPROM - Technology used in the GatorBox CS, GatorMIM CS, and GatorBox CS/Rack that permits stable storage and easy updating of software and configuration settings
FTP - File Transfer Protocol; standard high-level internet protocol for transferring files from one host to another
gateway - Hardware and software that connect networks that use different protocols, such as AppleTalk and TCP/IP. The gateway translates between the protocols so that devices on the connected networks can exchange data. Compare bridge, repeater, router
GatorBox - Intelligent network gateway that integrates Macintosh computers into Ethernet network environments
GatorBoxName - The name assigned to a GatorBox. A GatorBox is initially assigned its five- or six-digit serial number as part of its name; for example, "GatorBox100019."
GatorCard - Ethernet card installed in a Macintosh SE, Macintosh SE/30, or Macintosh II-type computer that allows it to connect directly to an Ethernet network
GatorDatabase - File containing the list of servers accessible to a GatorBox
GatorKeeper - Administration program for the GatorBox that lets a user configure and monitor the GatorBox gateway functions
GatorMIM CS - Media interface module version of the GatorBox CS designed to fit in a Cabletron Multi-Media Access Center (MMAC)
GatorPrint - Cayman's UNIX-to-LocalTalk software for the GatorBox. GatorPrint also provides AppleTalk routing and TCP/IP services. Compare GatorShare, GatorSystem
GatorShare - Cayman's file-sharing software for the GatorBox that provides transparent access to NFS file servers, including Sun, VAX, NeXT, Apollo, and Macintoshes running A/UX. GatorShare also provides AppleTalk routing and TCP/IP services. Compare GatorSystem, GatorPrint
GatorStar - Repeater/router network device developed by Cayman. The GatorStar comes in two configurations: GatorStar GX*M, which is a media interface module designed to fit in a Cabletron Multi-Media Access Center (MMAC), and GatorStar GX*R, whic is mountable in a standard 19-inch device rack
GatorSystem - GatorBox software responsible for AppleTalk routing and TCP/IP services. Compare GatorPrint, GatorShare
group - The set of users who are assigned the same access privileges for a file or directory. A user can belong to multiple groups
hard routing - See static routing
hop - The logical distance between two nodes on an internet. If a packet traveling from one node to another must pass through two routers, the path has a hop count of 2
host - A computer on a network that acts as a central processing unit for one or more end users. A host can be a personal computer used by one person or a mainframe computer with hundreds of terminal connections
ICMP - Internet Control Message Protocol; IP protocol responsible for reporting delivery or routing problems to a sending gateway or host.
internet - A network created by linking two or more smaller networks of the same or different types with a router or gateway
internet address - See IP address
IP - internet Protocol; network-layer protocol responsible for directing information packets from one computer to another over an internet. IP accepts data in segments, encapsulates the data in packets, and determines the correct path for routing the packet to its destination
IP address - 4-byte identification code assigned to each device on a TCP/IP internet. The IP address is divided into a network segment, which identifies a network on the internet, and a host segment, which identifies a host attached to the specified network. IP addresses are divided into three classes: -
* Class A -- Address structure that supports networks with more than 16 million nodes. The first node of a Class A address is a number in the range 0-126
* Class B -- Address structure that supports networks with up to 65,536 nodes. The first node of a Class B address is a number in the range 128-191
* Class C -- Address structure that supports networks with up to 256 nodes. The first node of a Class C address is a number in the range 192-223
ISO - International Standards Organization; developer of the OSI reference model for network standardization. See OSI
KIP - Protocol that encapsulates AppleTalk packets in UDP/IP packets. KIP lets the GatorBox give Macintoshes on LocalTalk or EtherTalk access to IP-based computers that understand AppleTalk protocols
LAN - Local area network; network of computers and peripherals connected by cabling within a specific area, such as a building or a section of a building. Compare WAN
LAP - Link Access Protocol. See ALAP
LED - Light emitting diode
level 1 router (DECnet) - A DECnet router that can forward packets from one network to another in the same area
level 2 router (DECnet) - A DECnet router that can forward packets from one network to another in the same area or in different areas
local - File, program, or user on "your" computer or network in a internetwork environment. Compare remote
LocalTalk - Shielded twisted-pair cabling system operating at 230 kilobits per second that supports as many as 32 nodes (computers or peripheral devices) on a network. One LocalTalk connection box is required for each computer and peripheral on the network
LocalTalk network - Network using AppleTalk protocols over LocalTalk cabling. See EtherTalk network
log in - To gain access to a server or host as an authorized user
log out - To terminate a connection to a server or host
MacIP - GatorBox function that supports Macintosh networking applications that encapsulate IP protocol packets inside AppleTalk packets. This encapsulation lets Macintoshes on AppleTalk networks communicate with Ethernet-based computers that support TCP/IP
MacTCP - Apple's implementation of the TCP/IP protocol suite. A Macintosh with MacTCP installed in its System folder can connect to an internet and can access other computers and networks using TCP/IP
manual addressing (static addressing) - In MacTCP, assigning a unique IP address to a Macintosh on a LocalTalk, EtherTalk, or Ethernet network.
mail server - Network computer that stores messages sent from one mail client to another
media - The physical conductor of network transmissions. Examples include Ethernet and LocalTalk
mount point - A directory on a file system "exported" for use by remote NFS clients
mount protocol - Procedure by which a remote volume is made accessible to a user
mounted volume - Volume to which a user has gained access over a network. A mounted volume can be either local (that is, physically connected to the Macintosh) or remote (that is, connected to the Macintosh over a network or internet)
name server - Network computer that maps host names to IP addresses, simplifying network administration
NBP - Name Binding Protocol; AppleTalk protocol responsible for translating an object name (object:type@zone) into an internet address. An NBP lookup command requests information about all devices with a specified name or type or in a specified zone
NCSA Telnet - Terminal emulation and file transfer program for the Macintosh developed by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications and distributed by Cayman Systems with the GatorBox. NCSA Telnet handles translation between a LocalTalk-based or EtherTalk-based Macintosh and a Telnet host on networks using TCP/IP
network - Group of interconnected devices, including file servers, host computers, and peripherals
Network Information Service - Distributed database service typically used to distribute user and group access information in authentication databases around a network. Formerly called "Yellow Pages."
network number - Integer that identifies a network to other network servers. Each AppleTalk network on an internet must have a unique network number in the range 1-65534
NFS - Network File System; a file-sharing protocol developed by Sun Microsystems that has been adopted as a standard by vendors of workstations and minicomputers
NIC - Network Information Center; responsible for the global assignment of IP network numbers
node - An individual computer or peripheral that has an address on a network
node number - The unique identifier for a node on a network
nonseed router - a router that waits to get its zone and network number information from another router. If zone and net number information is not available from another router, a nonseed router does not route through the nonseed port. (see also seed router, softseed router)
NVRAM - Nonvolatile random access memory; component of the GatorBox that stores download server address information while the GatorBox is turned off
OSI - Open Systems Interconnection; a seven-layer reference model that creates a framework for network standards and protocols: -
7. Application -- Defines the interface of application software with the network's operating system
6. Presentation -- Reformats differences in user data into a format usable by the network's application layer
5. Session -- Used for administrative tasks, such as security
4. Transport -- Provides error checking and routing of data packets
3. Network -- Provides switching and routing rules
2. Data link -- Controls data flow in and out of network devices
1. Physical -- Controls physical network connection of workstations to the wiring media
packet - Formatted unit of information sent as a discrete string of bits over network from one node to another. Information is separated into multiple packets before being transferred
pathname - The full name by which an operating system identifies a file. A pathname is a sequence of filenames, each preceded by a separator character, such as a slash, that specifies the path--from volume directory to file--the operating system takes to locate that file
PAP - Printer Access Protocol
PC AppleShare - Application run on an IBM personal computer or compatible that enables the computer to connect to an AppleTalk network
PC-NFS - Set of applications developed for IBM-compatible microcomputers that allow communication and file exchange with NFS hosts
pcnfsd - UNIX process that runs on an NFS server host to support PC-NFS requests for user authentication and print spooling
permissions - File attributes that specify whether the owner or group of the file and/or the public can read, write, or execute a file (or directory)
PhoneNET - Network cabling system developed by Farallon Computing that uses telephone wiring instead of LocalTalk cabling as the AppleTalk medium
port - (1) Socket on the back panel of a computer or GatorBox where you can plug in a cable to connect a peripheral device, another computer, or a network. For example, the Macintosh printer port lets you connect the Macintosh to a printer or AppleTalk connector. (2) An end point in a connection between TCP/IP hosts
PostScript - Page description language developed by Adobe Systems, Inc
print server - Networked computer that lets workstations submit print requests to it simultaneously
process - UNIX program that provides a specific function to an end user or a client program
protocol - Formal set of rules that govern the transmission of information across a network
RARP - Reverse Address Resolution Protocol; responsible for determining the internet address corresponding to an Ethernet network hardware address. Compare ARP
remote volume - Volume connected to a Macintosh over a network or internet. Compare local volume
repeater - Device that connects two networks of the same type, where the repeater amplifies and transfers electrical signals from one segment of a network to another segment of the same network automatically. Compare bridge, router, gateway
retry count - The number of times a GatorBox will resend unanswered packets to a server
retry interval - Time interval between attempts to send packets. Specified by client
RFC - Request For Comment; set of documents that establish standards for TCP/IP networking
RIP - Routing Information Protocol; protocol used by IP routers to send and receive network routing information
ROM - Read-only memory
root - Login identification code of anyone holding superuser privileges, such as update access to the password file and system administration files in /etc
router - Device connecting two or more networks of the same type that routes packets from one network to another based on the packet destination address. Compare bridge, gateway, repeater
routing - Process by which network packets are transmitted from one network to another across a gateway or internet
RPC - Remote Procedure Call; protocol that enables communications over a network between processes running on different machines
RTMP - Routing Table Maintenance Protocol; protocol used by AppleTalk routers to update their routing databases
seed router - a router that gets its zone and network number information from data entered by the network administrator. (see also soft-seed router, nonseed router)
server - Any network computer or device that provides services for other devices (clients) on the network
server addressing - MacTCP(dynamic addressing-GatorBox /Fastpath) -A method for Macs on a LocalTalk or EtherTalk network to get their IP address from an AppleTalk/IP Gateway such as a GatorBox or Fastpath. (This method is called dynamic addressing in the GatorBox/Fastpath manuals, but is different from the "dynamic" obtain address option in MacTCP.
shielded cable - Cable with metallic wrap around the wires to reduce potential effects of radio-frequency interference
SLIP - Serial Line Internet Protocol
SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol; protocol responsible for transferring electronic mail from one host to another across an internet
SNMP - Simple Network Management Protocol; protocol that allows a network administrator to monitor network devices over the network
socket - Logical entity within a node on an AppleTalk or IP network. On a stand-alone AppleTalk network, each socket is identified by its AppleTalk address (node ID and socket number). On an internet, each socket is identified by its internet address (network number, node ID, and socket number)
soft seed router - a router that waits for a specified period of time after bootup to get its zone and network number information from another router. If zone and net number information is not available from another router, a softseed router then gets its network information from data entered by the network administrator. (see also seed router, nonseed router)
standard Ethernet - See thick Ethernet
static addressing - GatorBox/Fastpath (manual addressing - MacTCP) - Assigning a unique, permanent IP address to a Macintosh on a LocalTalk, EtherTalk, or Ethernet network.
static routing - Sending (or tunneling) AppleTalk or EtherTalk packets from one AppleTalk network through an IP network to a second AppleTalk network. Routing is "static" because routes are not determined by means of a routing information protocol
subnet - Networking scheme that separates one logical IP network into multiple smaller logical networks to simplify maintenance and packet routing
subnet mask - Code indicating the portion of an IP address reserved for a subnetwork identifier and the portion reserved for a host identifier. A subnet mask bit is set to 1 if the corresponding bit in the IP address is part of the network number and subnetwork network fields, and to 0 if the corresponding bit in the address is part of the host number field
superuser (su) - User ID of the System Administrator. Modification of important system files requires superuser access
TCP - Transmission Control Protocol; protocol for error-free transmission and reception of datagrams over an IP network
TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
Telnet - See NCSA Telnet
terminal emulation - Program function that allows a Macintosh to log in to a host computer system as a specific type of data terminal
text file - File containing only unformatted text (typically ASCII)
TFTP - Trivial File Transfer Protocol; protocol responsible for transferring files, such as the GatorDatabase, from the TFTP server (Macintosh or remote server) to the TFTP client (GatorBox)
TFTP server - Macintosh or IP server used to download configuration information to a GatorBox
thick Ethernet - Ethernet cable 0.5" in diameter
thin Ethernet - Ethernet cable distinguished by its flexibility and economy
tn3270 - Application developed at Brown University that allows a Macintosh to emulate an IBM 3270 terminal
Token Ring - Cabling system that links computers and peripheral devices on a continuous network loop. Each host on a Token Ring network passes an electronic token, which lets it transmit data on the network or pass the token to the next host
TokenTalk - AppleTalk protocols running over Token Ring cabling
transceiver - Device required to connect hosts or devices to thick Ethernet cabling
transceiver Ethernet - See thick Ethernet
twisted pair cable - Network cabling consisting of two insulated wires wrapped around each other
UDP - User Datagram Protocol; transport-layer protocol that has lower protocol overhead and less reliability than TCP in the transport of data between host programs
UNIX - A multi-user, multi-tasking operating system that functions on a variety of mainframe and personal computers
volume - Storage device formatted to contain files. A volume can be a physical or virtual disk, and typically appears as a separate icon on a user's workstation. See local volume, remote volume
WAN - Wide area network; network of computers and peripherals connected over large areas by means of cabling or other connections. Compare LAN
Yellow Pages - See Network Information Service
YP - See Network Information Service
ZIP - Zone Information Protocol; AppleTalk protocol responsible for maintaining an internet-wide mapping of networks to zone names
zone - A subset of the AppleTalk (that is, LocalTalk and EtherTalk) networks on an internet. A zone can consist of a single AppleTalk network or several AppleTalk networks
zone name - The name of one or more AppleTalk zones on your network. Zone names can be viewed by using the Chooser