Networking Terminology 04/03/01

Definitions of commonly used networking terms used in various TTUnet documents are found on this page.

Static address A manually configured IP address assigned by the TTUnet NOC to a registered network interface card. The address will also have an Internet name assigned and loaded into the Domain Name Server. All multi-user network hosts and network servers must have static addresses
Fixed address A dynamically configured (via DHCP) IP address assigned by the TTUnet NOC to a registered network interface card within a predetermined LAN on campus. The address will also have an Internet name assigned and loaded into the Domain Name Server. Although dynamically configured over the network this address is always the same within it's registered LAN. Recommended for faculty/staff with laptops.
Unregistered address A dynamically configured (via DHCP) IP address drawn from a pool of addresses for the LAN. This address is leased to a NIC and will not remain the same between computing system reboots.
DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is used to dynamically configure network information to laptops and workstations on the network. This can allow almost immediate functionality on the network. Individuals with laptops who will be roaming the campus and needing network access will need to configure their system for DHCP. Should you need a known address and name on the network then you will need to register your system and request a fixed address or static address
Supported LAN A physical Local Area Network which is designed, installed*, maintained and operated by TTUnet Services, and is directly connected to the TTUnet backbone.

*Cable plants which conform to TTUnet standards may be certified for inclusion as a Supported LAN. Contact the Manager, Computing Networks Services for further information
Non-supported LAN A physical Local Area Network which has [1] in part or in whole been installed and/or operated by a department or entity other than TTUnet Services, or [2] has not been directly connected to the TTUnet backbone.
Affiliated Network A network (LAN or WAN) which is physically connected to TTUnet, whose traffic transits TTUnet, and which is administered by another agency or entity. Affiliate members are responsible for obtaining their own address space and DNS service. TTUnet provides network connectivity on a regional basis across the South Plains / Panhandle region of Texas.
NIC Network Interface Card; such as an Ethernet or Token Ring card
NOC Network Operations Center
Alias A DNS name which points to another name. Aliases are used to name common network services like web servers. An example of an alias is 'WWW.TTU.EDU' which points to 'TTACS6.TTU.EDU'. The proper use of aliases allows for the migration of a service from system to system without the users of the service being affected by the change.
TTUnet Intranet The high-speed network operated and maintained by TTUnet Services. The data network address space is comprised of the 129.118.0.0 Class B IP network and other Class C IP networks delegated to TTUnet Services.
DNS Domain Name Service is a naming service that allows the use of names to identify servers on the Internet. DNS allows us to enter names such as 'www.ttu.edu' instead of the raw IP address when browsing.