Networking Glossary

Bandwidth - Bandwidth describes the maximum data transfer rate of a network or Internet connection. It measures how much data can be sent over a specific connection in a given amount of time. For example, a gigabit Ethernet connection has a bandwidth of 1,000 Mbps (125 megabytes per second).

Church Network Manager (CNM) - a web-based tool that allows stake technology specialists and other local leaders to install, configure, and manage the network in Church meetinghouses.

Default Gateway - A default gateway is the network device, the meetinghouse firewall or router, that serves as the primary exit point for traffic leaving a local network. When a device on a VLAN needs to communicate with systems outside its own subnet (such as the internet or another network segment), it sends that traffic to the default gateway. The gateway then determines the appropriate path and forwards the traffic accordingly.

DHCP - Stands for "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol." DHCP is a protocol that automatically assigns a unique IP address to each device that connects to a network. With DHCP, there is no need to manually assign IP addresses to new devices. Therefore, no user configuration is necessary to connect to a DHCP-based network.

DHCP server - A DHCP Server is a network server that automatically provides and assigns IP addresses, default gateways and other network parameters to client devices. It relies on the standard protocol known as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol or DHCP to respond to broadcast queries by clients.

DNS - Stands for "Domain Name System."Domain names serve as memorizable names for websites and other services on the Internet. However, computers access Internet devices by their IP addresses. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing you to access an Internet location by its domain name.

DNS Servers - The Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the Internet. When users type domain names such as ‘google.com’ or ‘nytimes.com’ into web browsers, DNS is responsible for finding the correct IP address for those sites. A server is a device or program dedicated to providing services to other programs, referred to as ‘clients’.

Download Speed - measures how fast the connection can receive data from the internet and is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The download speed enabled by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will typically be higher than the upload speed. Download speed is important for meetinghouse tasks such as streaming Church media for lessons, receiving webcasts, and participating in personal video conferencing. Upload speed is important when broadcasting from a meetinghouse, conducting 2-way video conversations, and other data intensive communications that originate from the meetinghouse.

Facilities Management Groups (FMGs) - facility management group (FMG) is to purchase, install, set up, and replace any necessary networking equipment. Responsible for finding and establishing an agreement.

Facilities Zone - The facilities zone is a dedicated VLAN used to support building management systems within a meetinghouse network. This zone typically includes devices such as HVAC controllers, lighting systems, access control hardware, and other facility‑related equipment. By isolating these systems from public and administrative traffic, the facilities zone helps maintain operational reliability, security, and compliance with Church technology standards. Access is restricted to authorized systems and personnel to ensure that building infrastructure remains stable and protected.

Filter Policies - Programatic rules intended to limit internet traffic to usage consistent with Church purposes. Internet filtering is provided to block access to inappropriate websites and content such as gambling, file sharing, adult content, gaming, entertainment, and some social media sites. Filtering policies are not able to block all inappropriate content. Ability to access a site is in no way an endorsement of or permission to access content. As with all internet access, Individual discretion is required.

Firewalls -  A network security device that controls how traffic enters and leaves a meetinghouse network. It evaluates each connection request and applies predefined rules to allow, block, or filter traffic based on Church technology standards. In a meetinghouse environment, the firewall sits directly behind the ISP modem and is responsible for routing, VLAN segmentation, content filtering, and protecting internal systems from unauthorized access.

Gateway - A gateway is a hardware device that acts as a "gate" between two networks. It may be a router, firewall, server, or another device that enables traffic to flow in and out of the network.

Local Area Network - A LAN is a network of connected devices that exist within a specific location. LANs may be found in homes, offices, educational institutions, and other areas. A LAN may be wired, wireless, or a combination of the two. A standard wired LAN uses Ethernet to connect devices together. Wireless LANs are typically created using a Wi-Fi signal

Local Area Network Port - A LAN port is a connection on a firewall that allows devices to connect to a local area network

IP Address - An IP address, or simply an "IP," is a unique address that identifies a device on the Internet or a local network. It allows a system to be recognized by other systems connected via the Internet protocol. There are two primary types of IP address formats used today — IPv4 and IPv6.

IP Address Reservation - assigns a specific, permanent IP address to a device by linking it to the device's unique MAC address through a network's DHCP server.

Internet Service Provider - Stands for "Internet Service Provider." An ISP provides access to the Internet. Whether you're at home or work, each time you connect to the Internet, your connection is routed through an ISP.

Internet Service Provider Modem -  An Internet Service Provider (ISP) modem is the device supplied or approved by the local internet provider that establishes the primary connection between a meetinghouse and the internet. It converts the incoming service signal—such as fiber, cable, or DSL—into a usable network connection that feeds the Church‑managed firewall. The ISP modem serves as the entry point for all external connectivity, but it does not manage internal network routing, VLANs, or security functions. Those responsibilities are handled by the Church‑provided firewall and network equipment. This separation ensures reliable service, consistent security, and proper alignment with Church technology standards.

Local Area Network ports - a physical socket on devices like routers, computers, and game consoles that uses an Ethernet cable to connect to a local network.

Named Server - a computer application that implements a network service for providing responses to queries against a directory service, helping to connect URLs with the IP address of web servers as an important part of the Domain Name System (DNS)

Media Access Control - A MAC address is a string of numbers and letters that acts as a unique identifier for each device. By knowing the MAC addresses of devices on the network, you can more easily identify and troubleshoot issues.

Network Alerts - Triggered based on a predefined set of events available in the Meraki API. Not all supported events were selected, but the CNM team has chosen those most relevant to most users. These events will be enumerated later in this document.

Ping - Measures the latency of the internet connection in milliseconds (ms). It is the measure of the speed of a reply from a network device. Smaller ping results mean the connection is more responsive, which helps tasks like streaming, webcasts, and personal video conferencing.

Power over Ethernet – A networking technology that delivers electrical power and data simultaneously over standard Ethernet cables (Cat5e or higher). This eliminates the need for separate power supplies for network devices such as access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones. PoE adheres to IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+) standards, delivering up to 15.4W and 30W respectively.

Public Zone - A designated VLAN within a meetinghouse network that provides direct internet access for general users. This zone is intentionally separated from other network segments to maintain security, protect Church systems, and ensure that visitors, members, and approved devices can connect safely. Traffic in the public zone is routed only to the internet and does not have access to restricted Church infrastructure, helping facilities remain compliant with Church technology standards while supporting everyday connectivity needs.

Sensor Alerts - Messages sent as a result of events detected by one of the optional Meraki sensors. Network and Sensor Alerts can be configured in CNM to go to anyone with a valid email address, SMS-enabled phone number, or WhatsApp account.

Subnet - A subnet, or subnetwork, is a network inside a network. Subnets make networks more efficient. Through subnetting, network traffic can travel a shorter distance without passing through unnecessary routers to reach its destination.

Subnet mask - A 32-bit number that determines which parts of an IP address are allocated for network and host identifiers, distinguishing the network portion from the host portion.

Switches - A switch is a piece of networking hardware that links multiple devices together on a network. Switches are typically small, flat boxes that contain a group of Ethernet ports — as few as 4 on a small home office switch that sits on a desk, or up to several dozen on a rack-mounted enterprise switch

Switch Port - A switch is a piece of networking hardware that links multiple devices together on a network. Switches are typically small, flat boxes that contain a group of Ethernet ports — as few as 4 on a small home office switch that sits on a desk, or up to several dozen on a rack-mounted enterprise switch.

Upload Speed - measures how fast the connection can send data to others over the internet and is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The ISP upload speed will typically be lower than the download speed. Upload speed is important for meetinghouse tasks such as sending MLS/LCR data to Church headquarters, streaming webcasts, and participating in personal video conferencing.

Wireless Access Points - A WAN is a computer network that spans a wide geographic area. It connects local networks from different locations together to serve as a network of smaller networks. Businesses, schools, and other organizations maintain their own WANs to connect devices and share data across multiple sites. The Internet is the most prominent example of a WAN, connecting computers and networks worldwide.