ASN (Autonomous System Number)
Unique number assigned to a network or group of networks managed by an entity (ISP, company). It identifies the origin of Internet traffic and facilitates routing between networks.
MonIP.chNetwork Glossary
Definitions of technical terms used on MonIP.ch
CIDR
Notation for describing IP address ranges (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24). The number after the slash indicates how many bits are fixed, defining the network size.
DHCP
Protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. Your router uses DHCP to give a local IP to each connected device.
DNS (Domain Name System)
System that translates domain names (like monip.ch) into IP addresses. Without DNS, you would need to memorize numbers like 185.199.108.153 for each website.
Firewall
Security system that filters incoming and outgoing network traffic according to defined rules. It protects your network against unauthorized connections.
Gateway
Entry/exit point from one network to another. Your home router is the gateway between your local network and the Internet.
HTTP / HTTPS
Web communication protocols. HTTP transfers data in plain text, while HTTPS encrypts it with TLS to secure exchanges (indicated by the padlock in your browser).
IP Address
Unique numeric identifier for each device on the Internet. It allows data to find its destination, like a postal address for mail.
IPv4
Version 4 of the IP protocol, using 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1). Limited to about 4.3 billion addresses, hence the transition to IPv6.
IPv6
Version 6 of the IP protocol with 128-bit addresses (e.g., 2001:db8::1). Offers a virtually unlimited number of addresses and better native security.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Company that provides Internet access (Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt in Switzerland). The ISP assigns your public IP address and routes your traffic to the Internet.
Latency
Time required for a data packet to make a round trip to a server, measured in milliseconds (ms). Low latency improves application responsiveness.
MAC Address
Unique 48-bit hardware identifier assigned to each network card (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). Unlike IP, it doesn't change and physically identifies the device.
NAT
Technique allowing multiple devices to share a single public IP address. Your router uses NAT so all your devices can access the Internet via one IP.
Ping
Command that sends an ICMP packet to a server and waits for a response. Used to check if a host is reachable and measure network latency.
Port
Number (0-65535) identifying a service on a machine. Examples: 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS), 22 (SSH). An IP + a port = a specific connection.
Proxy
Intermediate server between your device and the Internet. It can hide your IP, filter content, or cache data to speed up access.
Reverse DNS
Reverse resolution that finds the domain name associated with an IP address. Used to verify server identity, especially for anti-spam email.
Router
Equipment that directs traffic between networks. It chooses the best path to route data to its destination using IP addresses.
Subnet
Division of an IP network into smaller segments. Helps organize the network, improve security, and reduce broadcast traffic.
TCP / UDP
Transport protocols. TCP guarantees ordered data delivery (web, email). UDP is faster but without guarantees (streaming, online games).
VPN
Virtual private network that encrypts your connection and hides your real IP by replacing it with the VPN server's. Used for privacy and bypassing geographic restrictions.
WHOIS
Protocol and public database containing registration information for domains and IP addresses: owner, registrar, key dates, contacts.
