full duplex:
A system that allows packets to be transmitted and received at the same time and, in
effect, doubles the potential throughput of a link.
half duplex:
A system that allows packets to be transmitted and received, but not at the same time.
Contrast with
full duplex
.
IP address:
Internet Protocol address. A unique identifier for a device attached to a network using
TCP/IP. The address is written as four octets separated with full-stops (periods), and is made up of
a network section, an optional subnet section and a host section.
IPX:
Internetwork Packet Exchange. A protocol allowing communication in a NetWare network.
LAN:
Local Area Network. A network of connected computing resources (such as PCs, printers,
servers) covering a relatively small geographic area (usually not larger than a floor or building).
Characterized by high data rates and low error rates.
latency:
The delay between the time a device receives a packet and the time the packet is
forwarded out of the destination port.
line speed:
See
baud rate
.
main port:
The port in a resilient link that carries data traffic in normal operating conditions.
MDI:
Medium Dependent Interface. An Ethernet port connection where the transmitter of one
device is connected to the receiver of another device.
MDI-X:
Medium Dependent Interface Cross-over. An Ethernet port connection where the internal
transmit and receive lines are crossed.
MIB:
Management Information Base. Stores a device’s management characteristics and
parameters. MIBs are used by the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to contain
attributes of their managed systems. The Switch contains its own internal MIB.
multicast:
Single packets copied to a specific subset of network addresses. These addresses are
specified in the destination-address field of the packet.
protocol:
A set of rules for communication between devices on a network. The rules dictate
format, timing, sequencing, and error control.
resilient link:
A pair of ports that can be configured so that one will take over data transmission
should the other fail. See also
main port
and
standby port
.
RJ-45:
Standard 8-wire connectors for IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T networks.
RMON:
Remote Monitoring. Subset of SNMP MIB II which allows monitoring and management
capabilities by addressing up to ten different groups of information.
RPS:
Redundant Power System. A device that provides a backup source of power when connected
to the Switch.
server farm:
A cluster of servers in a centralized location serving a large user population.
SLIP:
Serial Line Internet Protocol. A protocol which allows IP to run over a serial line
connection.
SNMP:
Simple Network Management Protocol. A protocol originally designed to be used in
managing TCP/IP internets. SNMP is presently implemented on a wide range of computers and
networking equipment and may be used to manage many aspects of network and end station
operation.
Spanning Tree Protocol:
(STP)
A bridge-based system for providing fault tolerance on networks.
STP works by allowing you to implement parallel paths for network traffic, and ensure that
redundant paths are disabled when the main paths are operational and enabled if the main paths
fail.
stack:
A group of network devices that are integrated to form a single logical device.
standby port
The port in a resilient link that will take over data transmission if the main port in
the link fails.
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