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packet
A unit of information processed by the Network Layer is referred to as a packet. The packet header contains the logical (network) address of the destination node. Intermediate nodes forward a packet until it reaches its destination. A packet can contain an entire message generated by higher OSI layers or a segment of a much larger message. A packet is sometimes called a "datagram."
parallel bus
A parallel bus is an I/O bus that carries multiple bits simultaneously. See bus and serial bus.
peer
A device or process in one computer that has the same intelligence and functionality as a device or process in another computer is referred to as a peer.
peer-to-peer
A peer-to-peer relationship refers to two programs or processes that perform approximately the same function for their respective nodes. Neither process controls the other.
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
PCI is a 64-bit local bus that allows up to 10 expansion cards to be installed in a computer. PCI technology is capable of transferring data across a PC bus at very high rates.
peripherals
Peripherals are parts of a computer that are not on the primary board (motherboard) of a computer system. Peripherals include hard drives, floppy drives, and modems.
personal area network (PAN)
A PAN is a short-distance wireless network that connects a user's personal electronic devices, such as a cell phone, PDA, and headphones. It is also called a WPAN. See Bluetooth.
personal digital assistant (PDA)
PDAs are small, handheld devices that provide a subset of the operations of a typical PC. They are used for scheduling, electronic notepads, and small database applications.
piconet
A piconet is a Bluetooth PAN that links up to eight devices. Each piconet is controlled by one master device, and up to seven slave devices at any one time. Any device may be a member of more than one piconet, changing its membership as a user moves from one area to another. See Bluetooth.
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
PPP is an Internet standard communication protocol that offers support for multiple network protocols, data compression, host configuration, and link setup. PPP is based on the HDLC standard.
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
PPTP was developed by Microsoft for VPNs using Microsoft Windows 95/98 and Windows NT. PPTP can support tunneling of IP, IPX, NetBios, and NetBEUI protocols inside IP packets.
port
There are two primary ways the term "port" is used in networking. Port can refer to a physical port in a device, such as a port on a switch or MUX. Port can also refer to a software port, a number typically used to identify a software process within a computer.
proprietary
A proprietary network solution is one that is designed and implemented using equipment and protocols specific to one vendor. Purchasing equipment from one vendor typically creates proprietary networks. The opposite of a proprietary network is an "open" network, which is based on industry standards.
protocol
A protocol is a defined method of communication between computers or computer applications.
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