Workshop

A TCP-based authentication service that can verify the identity of a user. (Refer to RFC 931.)
automounting
The practice of automatically mounting network drives at bootup or when requested.
back door
A hidden program, left behind by an intruder (or perhaps a disgruntled employee), that allows him
or her future access to a victim host. This term is synonymous with trap door.
back up
To preserve a file system or files, usually for disaster recovery. Generally, a backup is done to
tape, floppy disk, or other portable media that can be safely stored for later use.
backbone
The fastest and most centralized feed on your network. The heart of your network to which all
other systems are connected.
bandwidth
The transmission capacity of your network medium, measured in bits per second.
baseband
Audio and video signals sent over coaxial cable, typically used in cable television transmissions.
In particular, the signals are sent without frequency shifting of the wave. (The Base in 10BaseT
refers to this type of signal.)
bastion host
A server that is hardened against attack and can therefore be used outside the firewall as your
“face to the world.” These are often sacrificial.
biometric access controls
Systems that authenticate users by physical characteristics, such as faces, fingerprints, retinal
patterns, or voices.
bootstrap protocol
A network protocol used for remote booting. (Diskless workstations often use a bootstrap protocol
to contact a boot server. In response, the boot server sends boot commands.)
border gateway protocol
A protocol that facilitates communication between routers serving as gateways.
bottleneck
An area of your network that demonstrates sluggish transfer rates, usually due to network
congestion or misconfiguration.
bridge
A network hardware device that connects local area networks together.
broadband
A very high-speed data transmission system, capable of supporting large transfers of media such
as sound, video, and other data. Unlike baseband, broadband can use several different frequencies.
broadcast/broadcasting
Any network message sent to all network hosts. Also, the practice of sending such a message.
bug
A hole or weakness in a computer program. See also vulnerability.
cable modem
A modem that negotiates Internet access over cable television networks. (Cable modems provide