JARGON BUSTER

>> DHCP This stands for Dynamic host Configuration Protocol, and is a network management tool used by routers to simplify your network setup. It automatically assigns a unique IP address and other key settings to each device on your network.

>> WI–FI CHANNEL These are frequency bands within the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz spectrums. there are 11 in the 2.4Ghz band, which is just 100mhz–wide in total. each 2.4Ghz channel is 20mhz–wide, and all but three (1, 6 and 11) overlap, increasing interference risk.

>> DNS This stands for Domain name System and is the internet’s address book. It’s used to translate domain names like apple.com to a machine– readable IP address like 17.172.224.47). third–party DnS providers include Google and Cloudflare.

>> POWERLINE Sometimes also called homePlug, this technology allows network data to be transferred through a home’s electrical wiring circuits. It’s typically used to extend a wired network between rooms, but many models can be used as a wi–Fi extender.