Network Management Hierarchy Terms

Term	Description	Example
Network Areas
Subnet or Logical Network	The network that exists behind a router and has a particular IP addressing scheme. This is independent of the media that the devices connect to the router with.	All of the computers and network devices that connect to the Internet through the router – the typical home or small business network.
Network Segment	A group of devices that connect through a particular network medium or identified part thereof.	An Ethernet LAN, HomePlug network with the same Network Password or WiFi Extended Service Set (WiFi AP(s) with a common ESSID and security parameters; and communicating with each other)
Devices
Edge or Gateway	A device that is between two or more logical networks	The broadband router
Bridge	A device that is between two or more network segments but part of the same logical network	Ethernet switch, HomePlug-Ethernet bridge, WiFi access point
Device; Node, Endpoint	Any computer, games console or other device that benefits from the network	A PC or laptop computer, the XBox 360