A logical chunk of data that is sent through a network as a unit.
Data Communications Equipment. When connecting a device to a network, particularly in serial-type connections, the DCE device represents a network end, which generally sends the clocking signals. See also DTE.
Digital Equipment Corporation Network. This is a group of communications protocols developed by the Digital Equipment Corporation.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol allows end devices to learn their network configuration at boot time from a central server.
Also called diffserv, this specification is a Quality of Service mechanism for TCP/IP. It defines a method of prioritizing IP packets relative to one another that uses the DSCP field in the IP header.
See Differentiated Services.
A Distance Vector Algorithm is one type of dynamic routing protocol. Every router in the Autonomous System using this protocol possesses a routing table that shows, for each route, a distance to the destination and a next-hop. This table is then shared with adjacent routers to keep the information current.
See DSCP.
Data Link Switching. This is a standard defined in RFC 1434 that makes it possible to tunnel unrouteable protocols such as SNA through TCP connections.
See DNS.
Domain Name Service. This network service provides a lookup database for converting between device names and IP addresses.
Distributed Services Control Point. In IP Quality of Service schemes for both IPv4 and IPv6, the DSCP is a field in the packet header that allows an application to mark high- or low-priority packets. The DSCP differs from the earlier IP TOS field in that it also includes the concept of drop precedence.
Digital Subscriber Line. This method of delivering high-speed access uses telephone-grade copper wiring. There are several different variants such as ADSL, VDSL, and HDSL.
Data Service Unit. Often used in conjunction with a CSU, a DSU makes the connection to the transmission facility, such as a T1 circuit. See also CSU.
Data Terminal Equipment. When connecting a device to a network, particularly in serial-type connections, the network end generally sends the clocking signals. The DTE end represents the end device, which listens for these clocking signals. See also DCE.
Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol. This protocol distributes IP Multicast routing information. It uses a Distance Vector algorithm.