FryAVSI training
Network Terms in Plain English
A quick reference for the words used in these lessons. Read one definition and jump back into a practical example.
Find a term
- Access point / AP #
- Provides a Wi-Fi connection to a network. See an example →
- Backhaul #
- The connection from an access point or remote network segment back toward the rest of the network. See an example →
- Wi-Fi band #
- A frequency range, such as 2.4, 5 or 6 GHz. Wi-Fi 7 is a generation, not a 7 GHz band. See an example →
- Bandwidth and throughput #
- Capacity is what a path can carry; throughput is the useful rate achieved under the measured conditions. See an example →
- DHCP #
- A service that automatically supplies network settings through a lease. See an example →
- DNS #
- Looks up address information for names used by applications and people. See an example →
- Gateway #
- A next hop to other networks; a default gateway is used when no more specific route applies. See an example →
- IP address #
- An address used to send traffic to an interface on an IP network. IPv4 and IPv6 have different formats. See an example →
- Latency and jitter #
- Latency is delay. Jitter is variation in delay. Both can affect calls even when a speed test looks fast. See an example →
- PoE #
- Power over Ethernet: power supplied through a compatible network cable and device arrangement. See an example →
- Subnet / prefix #
- An IP address range. The prefix identifies how much of the address describes the network. See an example →
- VLAN #
- A logical separation of a Layer 2 network. Routing and access policy determine communication between groups. See an example →
- Trunk / tagged link #
- A link configured to carry multiple VLANs between compatible devices. See an example →
- Wiremap #
- A wiring result within the test instrument’s capability; not automatically proof of category performance. See an example →
- Permanent link / channel #
- A permanent link describes the fixed cabling portion under the test definition; a channel can include patch cords. Select the actual required test configuration. See an example →
- Optic / transceiver #
- A module that transmits and receives an optical network signal. Mechanical fit does not establish link compatibility. See an example →
- dB / dBm #
- dB expresses a ratio or loss. dBm expresses optical power relative to 1 milliwatt. See an example →
- OLTS #
- An optical loss test set using a source and meter to measure loss with a defined reference setup. See an example →
- OTDR #
- An optical time-domain reflectometer, used to locate and characterize events along a fiber with the appropriate setup. See an example →
- Rollback #
- A defined way to return to a known prior state if a change fails its checks. See an example →
Security, camera and door terms
- MFA #
- Multi-factor authentication uses different factor types to check a sign-in. It does not decide which permissions the identity should have. See an example →
- Least privilege #
- Give a person or system only the access needed for the approved task, then review it as responsibilities change. See an example →
- Policy and control #
- A policy states a rule. A control makes the required behavior happen or detects when it does not. Evidence shows what actually occurred. See an example →
- RMM #
- Remote monitoring and management tools let a provider maintain devices. Their privileged access must be scoped and protected. See an example →
- EDR #
- Endpoint detection and response tools help identify and investigate suspicious device activity. Someone still needs to own review and response. See an example →
- Retention #
- How long information is kept under an approved purpose and requirement. Verify that storage behavior matches the policy. See an example →
- NVR / VMS #
- A network video recorder stores network-camera recordings; video management software manages functions such as viewing, recording and permissions. Capabilities vary. See an example →
- Door position sensor #
- Reports a door’s open or closed state when correctly installed and configured. It does not prove that a latch is secure or identify who passed. See an example →
- OSDP #
- A reader/controller communication protocol with supervision and supported Secure Channel protection. Verify the deployed configuration. See an example →
- Egress #
- The route and ability to leave a space. Door-access designs must preserve the applicable exit requirements. See an example →
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