Network Address Translation. Lets multiple devices share one public IP address. A key router feature.

Converts signals between analog (like cable or phone lines) and digital (like Ethernet). The bridge between your home network and the internet.

Connects multiple wired devices on a network so they can talk to each other.

Monitors traffic between networks to block suspicious activity. Can be hardware or software.

A virtual endpoint for network communication. Different services use specific port numbers, like 80.

A wired networking technology for connecting devices in a LAN, usually via Cat5 or Cat6 cables.

The wireless alternative to Ethernet. The 802.11 family of radio-based networking standards.

Routes data between networks. Most home “routers” are actually routers, switches, and wireless access points in one unit.

Your web browser, the program that requests resources from a web server and displays them to you.

A powerful computer that stores websites and apps, “serves them up” to client devices upon request.