54GLOSSARY

MAC address

Media Access Control address; also called hardware or physical address.

 

A layer 2 address associated with a particular network device. Most

 

devices that connect to a LAN have a MAC address assigned to them

 

as they are used to identify other devices in a network. MAC addresses

 

are 6 bytes long.

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.

multicast

A packet sent to a specific group of endstations on a network.

NIC

Network Interface Card. A circuit board installed in an endstation that

 

allows it to be connected to a network.

POST

Power On Self Test. An internal test that a Switch carries out when it is

 

powered-up.

protocol

A set of rules for communication between devices on a network. The

 

rules dictate format, timing, sequencing and error control.

repeater

A simple device that regenerates LAN traffic so that the transmission

 

distance of that signal can be extended. Repeaters are used to connect

 

two LANs of the same network type.

router

A device that provides WAN links between geographically separate

 

networks.

RPS

Redundant Power System. A device that provides a backup source of

 

power when connected to a Switch.

segment

A section of a LAN that is connected to the rest of the network using a

 

switch or bridge.

server

A computer in a network that is shared by multiple endstations. Servers

 

provide endstations with access to shared network services such as

 

computer files and printer queues.

SLIP

Serial Line Internet Protocol. A protocol that allows IP to run over a

 

serial line (console port) connection.

Page 54
Image 54
3Com 1100 manual Multicast, Protocol, Repeater, Router, Segment, Server