access control list-- See ACL.
ACL-- access control list. An ACL consists of individual filtering rules grouped together in a single list. It is generally used to provide security filtering, though it may be used to provide a generic packet classification facility.
flow --A stream of data traveling between two endpoints across a network (for example, from one LAN station to another). Multiple flows can be transmitted on a single circuit.
latency --The delay between the time a device receives a packet and the time that packet is forwarded out the destination port.
packet --A logical grouping of information that includes a header containing control information and (usually) user data. Packets most often refer to network layer units of data.
policy --Any defined rule that determines the use of resources within the network. A policy can be based on a user, a device, a subnetwork, a network, or an application.
port scanning --The act of systematically checking a computer's ports to find an access point.
Resource Reservation Protocol --See RSVP.
RSVP --Resource Reservation Protocol. A protocol for reserving network resources to provide quality of service guarantees to application flows.
router --A network layer device that uses one or more metrics to determine the optimal path along which network traffic should be forwarded. Routers forward packets from one network to another based on network layer information.
tunnel --A secure communications path between two peers, such as routers.
Voice over IP --See VoIP.
VoIP --Voice over IP. The ability to carry normal telephony-style voice over an IP-based Internet maintaining telephone-like functionality, reliability, and voice quality.