CompTIA Network+ Exam Definitions and Acronyms

AAA

• Authentication, Authorization, Accounting, Auditing: Security principles for identification, permission, tracking, and analysis of network activities.

ACL

• Access Control List: Specifies permissions for users or systems to access network resources.

AES

• Advanced Encryption Standard: Widely used encryption algorithm for securing sensitive data.

AH

• Authentication Header: Part of IPsec providing authentication and integrity for IP packets.

AP

• Access Point: Allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.

APC

• Angle Physical Contact: Fiber optic connector to minimize back reflections.

APIPA

• Automatic Private IP Addressing: Automatically assigns an IP when DHCP server is unavailable.

ARP

• Address Resolution Protocol: Maps IP address to physical MAC address.

AUP

• Acceptable Use Policy: Rules and guidelines defining proper network or system use.

BGP

• Border Gateway Protocol: Routing protocol for exchanging information between Autonomous Systems.

BNC

• Bayonet Neil-Concelman (British Naval Connector): Coaxial connector for Ethernet.

BYOD

• Bring Your Own Device: Policy allowing personal devices for work purposes.

CAM

• Content Addressable Memory: Memory for storing and retrieving MAC addresses quickly.

CAN

• Campus Area Network: Network covering a university campus or similar area.

CDMA

• Code Division Multiple Access: Cellular technology allowing multiple users in the same frequency band.

CIA

• Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability: Fundamental principles of information security.

CIDR

• Classless Inter-Domain Routing: Efficient IP address allocation and routing method.

CLI

• Command Line Interface: Text-based user interface for system interaction through commands.

CNAME

• Canonical Name: DNS record that maps an alias name to the true name of a domain.

CPU

• Central Processing Unit: Executes instructions and performs calculations in a computer.

CRC

• Cyclic Redundancy Check: Error-checking technique in data transmission.

CSMA/CA

• Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance: Protocol to avoid wireless data collisions.

CSMA/CD

• Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection: Ethernet protocol to handle data frame collisions.

CSU

• Channel Service Unit: Links digital communication lines to customer equipment.

CVE

• Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: A list for identifying and addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

CWDM

• Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing: Multiplexes multiple optical signals on a single fiber.

DaaS

• Desktop as a Service: Virtual desktops hosted by a third-party provider.

dB

• Decibel: Unit for measuring signal strength or sound intensity.

DDoS

• Distributed Denial of Service: Attack using multiple computers to overwhelm a target with traffic.

DHCP

• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: Dynamically assigns IP addresses and other settings to network devices.

DLP

• Data Loss Prevention: Technologies and practices to prevent misuse or unauthorized access to sensitive data.

DNS

• Domain Name System: Translates domain names into IP addresses.

DoS

• Denial of Service: Attack aimed to disrupt or disable network services.

DSL

• Digital Subscriber Line: High-speed internet over traditional telephone lines.

DSU

• Data Service Unit: Connects digital data terminal to communication lines.

DWDM

• Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing: High-capacity data transmission using different light wavelengths.

EAP

• Extensible Authentication Protocol: Authentication framework for wireless networks.

EIA

• Electronic Industries Alliance: Standards for connectors, cables, and networking equipment.

EIGRP

• Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol: Cisco proprietary dynamic routing protocol.

EIRP

• Effective Isotropic Radiated Power: Power measurement of an antenna.

ESP

• Encapsulating Security Payload: IPsec component for confidentiality, integrity, and authentication.

EUI

• Extended Unique Identifier: 64-bit unique identifier often for IPv6.

FCoE

• Fibre Channel over Ethernet: Transport fibre channel storage traffic over Ethernet.

FHRP

• First Hop Redundancy Protocol: Ensures high availability through redundant routers.

FTP

• File Transfer Protocol: Transferring files between a client and server.

GBIC

• Gigabit Interface Converter: Transceiver for networking devices.

GRE

• Generic Routing Encapsulation: Protocol for tunneling and VPNs.

GSM

• Global System for Mobile Communications: Standard for mobile telephony.

HA

• High Availability: Ensures continuous operation and minimal downtime.

HDMI

• High-Definition Multimedia Interface: Interface for transmitting high-definition video and audio.

HTTP

• Hypertext Transfer Protocol: Protocol for transmitting web data.

HTTPS

• HTTP Secure: Encrypted version of HTTP using SSL/TLS.

HVAC

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning: Systems for environmental control.

IaaS

• Infrastructure as a Service: Virtualized computing resources over the internet.

ICMP

• Internet Control Message Protocol: Protocol for diagnostics and error reporting.

ICS

• Industrial Control System: Network for monitoring and managing industrial processes.

IDF

• Intermediate Distribution Frame: Extends connections from the MDF to network devices.

IDS

• Intrusion Detection System: Monitors network traffic for suspicious activities.

IGMP

• Internet Group Management Protocol: Establishes multicast group memberships.

IMAP

• Internet Message Access Protocol: Retrieves emails from a mail server.

IoT

• Internet of Things: Network of interconnected physical devices.

IP

• Internet Protocol: Protocol for transmitting data across networks.

IPS

• Intrusion Prevention System: Detects and blocks malicious activities in real-time.

IPsec

• Internet Protocol Security: Suite of protocols for securing IP communications.

IPv4

• Internet Protocol Version 4: Widely used for network addressing.

IPv6

• Internet Protocol Version 6: Provides larger address space and improved features.

iSCSI

• Internet Small Computer Systems Interface: Transports SCSI commands over IP networks.

ISP

• Internet Service Provider: Provides internet access.

LACP

• Link Aggregation Control Protocol: Bundles multiple network links for increased bandwidth and redundancy.

LAN

• Local Area Network: Connects devices within a building or campus.

LC

• Local Connector: Fiber optic connector for high-density connections.

LDAP

• Lightweight Directory Access Protocol: Access and manage directory information.

LDAPS

• LDAP over SSL: Secure version of LDAP.

LED

• Light-Emitting Diode: Light indicator in network devices.

LTE

• Long-Term Evolution: High-speed wireless communication standard.

MAC

• Media Access Control: Unique identifier for network interfaces.

MAN

• Metropolitan Area Network: Network covering a city or town.

MDF

• Main Distribution Frame: Central point for communication lines.

MDI-X

• Medium-Dependent Interface Crossover: Auto-detects and corrects crossover connections.

MGRE

• Multipoint Generic Routing Encapsulation: Multi-point VPN tunnels.

MIB

• Management Information Base: Database for network management information.

MIMO

• Multiple Input Multiple Output: Uses multiple antennas to improve wireless performance.

MU-MIMO

• Multi-User, Multiple Input Multiple Output: Simultaneous data streams for multiple users.

MoU

• Memorandum of Understanding: Non-binding agreement between parties.

MPLS

• Multi-Protocol Label Switching: Efficient packet forwarding protocol.

MTBF

• Mean Time Between Failures: Average operational time before failure.

MT-RJ

• Mechanical Transfer - Registered Jack: Fiber optic connector.

MTTR

• Mean Time To Repair: Average time to repair and restore a device.

MTU

• Maximum Transmission Unit: Largest packet size transmittable over a network.

MX

• Mail Exchange: DNS record for mail servers.

NAC

• Network Access Control: Manages device access to a network.

NAS

• Network Attached Storage: Centralized file-level data storage.

NAT

• Network Address Translation: Modifies IP address information in packet headers.

NDA

• Non-Disclosure Agreement: Confidentiality contract.

NFV

• Network Function Virtualization: Virtualizes network services.

NGFW

• Next-Generation Firewall: Advanced security features in firewalls.

NIC

• Network Interface Card: Interfaces network devices for communication.

NS

• Name Server: Translates domain names into IP addresses.

NTP

• Network Time Protocol: Synchronizes clocks over a network.

OID

• Object Identifier: Numeric identifier in network management systems.

OSI

• Open Systems Interconnection: 7-layer communication framework.

OSPF

• Open Shortest Path First: Link-state routing protocol for IP networks.

OTDR

• Optical Time Domain Reflectometer: Characterizes and troubleshoots optical fibers.

PaaS

• Platform as a Service: Cloud model for developing and managing applications.

PAN

• Personal Area Network: Connects devices within personal space.

PAT

• Port Address Translation: NAT variant for sharing a public IP among multiple devices.

PDU

• Power Distribution Unit: Distributes electrical power to network equipment.

PoE

• Power over Ethernet: Transmits electrical power over ethernet cables.

POP3

• Post Office Protocol Version 3: Retrieves email from a mail server.

PSK

• Pre-Shared Key: Shared secret for symmetric key encryption.

PTR

• Pointer Record: DNS record for reverse DNS lookups.

QoS

• Quality of Service: Manages and prioritizes network traffic.

QSFP

• Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable: High-speed transceiver module.

RA

• Router Advertisements: Announces network addresses in IPv6.

RADIUS

• Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service: Centralized authentication protocol.

RAID

• Redundant Array of Independent Disks: Data redundancy and performance improvement.

RDP

• Remote Desktop Protocol: Remote access and control protocol.

RF

• Radio Frequency: Electromagnetic frequencies for wireless communication.

RFC

• Request for Comments: Documents for internet standards development.

RG

• Radio Guide: Technical specifications for radio communication systems.

RIP

• Routing Information Protocol: Distance-vector routing protocol.

RJ

• Registered Jack: Standardized connector interface.

RPO

• Recovery Point Objective: Maximum tolerable data loss point.

RSSI

• Received Signal Strength Indication: Power level measurement of a received radio signal.

RTO

• Recovery Time Objective: Targeted recovery duration after a disruption.

RTSP

• Real-Time Streaming Protocol: Controls streaming media servers.

SaaS

• Software as a Service: Hosted and provided software applications over the internet.

SAN

• Storage Area Network: Network for high-speed access to block-level storage.

SC

• Standard Connector: Fiber optic push-pull connector.

SCADA

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition: System for monitoring and controlling industrial processes.

SDN

• Software-Defined Networking: Centralized network control architecture.

SD-WAN

• Software-Defined WAN: Simplifies and optimizes WAN management.

SFP

• Small Form-Factor Pluggable: Compact high-speed transceiver module.

SFTP

• Secure File Transfer Protocol: Secure file transfer over a network.

SIEM

• Security Information and Event Management: Analyses and correlates security logs.

SIP

• Session Initiation Protocol: Initiates and manages real-time voice, video, and messaging sessions.

SLA

• Service Level Agreement: Contract for expected service performance.

SLAAC

• Stateless Address Auto Configuration: IPv6 address auto-assignment without DHCP.

SMB

• Server Message Block: Protocol for file and printer sharing.

SMTP

• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol: Sends and receives email messages.

SNMP

• Simple Network Management Protocol: Manages and monitors network devices.

SOA

• Start of Authority: DNS record with authoritative zone information.

SOHO

• Small Office/Home Office: Refers to small business networks or home office setups.

SQL

• Structured Query Language: Manages and manipulates relational databases.

SRV

• Service Record: Specifies service locations within a domain.

SSD

• Solid State Drive: Storage device using flash memory.

SSH

• Secure Shell: Protocol for secure remote access and data communication.

SSID

• Service Set Identifier: Unique identifier for a wireless network.

SSL

• Secure Sockets Layer: Protocol for secure web traffic (replaced by TLS).

SSO

• Single Sign-On: One-time authentication for multiple systems or applications.

ST

• Straight Tip: Bayonet-style fiber optic connector.

STP

• Spanning Tree Protocol: Prevents Ethernet network loops.

Syslog

• System Log: Generates and stores log messages from network devices and applications.

TACACS+

• Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus: Centralized authentication protocol.

TCP

• Transmission Control Protocol: Reliable connection-oriented protocol.

TFTP

• Trivial File Transfer Protocol: Simple file transfer protocol.

TIA/EIA

• Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronic Industries Alliance: Standards organizations.

TKIP

• Temporal Key Integrity Protocol: Wi-Fi encryption and integrity protocol.

TLS

• Transport Layer Security: Successor to SSL for secure communication.

TTL

• Time To Live: Limits packet lifespan in networks.

TX/RX

• Transmit/Receive: Network device functions.

UDP

• User Datagram Protocol: Unreliable, connectionless protocol.

UPC

• Ultra Physical Contact: Fiber optic connector for minimal signal loss.

UPS

• Uninterruptible Power Supply: Backup power during outages or voltage fluctuations.

URL

• Uniform Resource Locator: Web address.

USB

• Universal Serial Bus: Interface for connecting devices.

UTP

• Unshielded Twisted Pair: Copper cable for Ethernet.

VIP

• Virtual IP: IP address not linked to a physical device.

VLAN

• Virtual Local Area Network: Logical network for grouping devices.

VM

• Virtual Machine: Software emulation of a physical computer.

VNC

• Virtual Network Computing: Remote desktop sharing system.

vNIC

• Virtual Network Interface Card: Virtualized network interface.

VoIP

• Voice over Internet Protocol: Voice communication over IP networks.

VPN

• Virtual Private Network: Secure, encrypted network connection.

VRRP

• Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol: Router failover and redundancy.

WAN

• Wide Area Network: Network over large geographic areas.

WAP

• Wireless Access Point: Device for wireless to wired network connection.

WDM

• Wavelength Division Multiplexing: Combines multiple optical signals on a single fiber.

WLAN

• Wireless Local Area Network: Wireless communication network within a limited area.

WPA

• Wi-Fi Protected Access: Wireless network security standard.

WPA2

• Wi-Fi Protected Access 2: Improved WPA security.

WPA3

• Wi-Fi Protected Access 3: Enhanced WPA security protocols.

WPS

• Wi-Fi Protected Setup: Simplified method for configuring wireless networks.

WWAN

• Wireless Wide Area Network: Large coverage wireless network provided by cellular providers.

XML

• Extensible Markup Language: Encoding documents in a readable format.

XSS

• Cross-Site Scripting: Web vulnerability for injecting scripts into web pages.

Z-Wave

• Z-Wave: Wireless communication protocol for home automation.

ZIP

• Zone Information Protocol: Protocol for dynamic network addressing in AppleTalk.

ZTP

• Zero Touch Provisioning: Automatically configures and provisions network devices.