Glossary
B
- backbone
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A main wire that connects nodes on a network. The term often refers to major connections between network centers on the Internet.
- bandwidth
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The amount of data that can be transferred in a given amount of time. Usually expressed in bps (bits per second), Kbps, or Mbps. Synomyn for throughput.
- binding
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A software-based connection between network components, where a component is an adapter, protocol, or service. Bindings determine which adpater can use which protocol over which service.
Example: if a network adapter was bound to the NetBEUI protocol and the NetBEUI protocol was bound to the Microsoft File and Printer Sharing service, then that network adapter would be able to use the NetBEUI protocol to share files and printers.
- bit
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The smallest unit of data, equal to one eighth of a byte. Data transfer speeds are usually measured in larger units derived from bits, such as kilobits per second (Kbps) and megabits per second (Mbps).
- bridge
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A device that connects two different types of networks. For example, wireless bridges allow wireless laptop computers to communicate seamlessly with hardwired computers.
- broadband
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High-bandwidth; high-speed. Technically, it refers to transmissions over a wire that use more than one data channel simultaneously; but in recent years, the term has been used to refer to high-speed Internet services like cable modems and DSL.
- BSP
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Broadband Service Provider. An ISP that offers high-speed Internet access.