medium. A physical carrier of electrical or optical energy.
media access control (MAC) protocol. In a local area network, the part of the protocol that governs communication on the transmission medium without concern for the physical characteristics of the medium, but taking into account the topological aspects of the network, in order to enable the exchange of data between data stations.
MHz. Megahertz.
MPTS. Multiple Protocol Transport Services.
MSB. Most significant bit.
N
NDIS. Network driver interface specification.
NetBIOS. Network Basic Input/Output System. An operating system interface for application programs used on IBM personal computers that are attached to the IBM
NLM. NetWare loadable module.
network administrator. A person who manages the use and maintenance of a network.
network architecture. The logical structure and operating principles of a computer network. See also systems network architecture (SNA) and Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) architecture.
Note:
The operating principles of a network include those of services, functions, and protocols.
node. (1) Any device, attached to a network, that transmits and/or receives data. (2) An endpoint of a link, or a junction common to two or more links in a network.
(3)In a network, a point where one or more functional units interconnect transmission lines.
node address. The address of an adapter on a LAN.
O
OEM. Original equipment manufacturer.
open. (1) To make an adapter ready for use. (2) A break in an electrical circuit. (3) To make a file ready for use.
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI). (1) The interconnection of open systems in accordance with
specific ISO standards. (2) The use of standardized procedures to enable the interconnection of data processing systems.
Note:
OSI architecture establishes a framework for coordinating the development of current and future standards for the interconnection of computer systems. Network functions are divided into seven layers. Each layer represents a group of related data processing and communication functions that can be carried out in a standard way to support different applications.
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) architecture.
Network architecture that adheres to a particular set of ISO standards that relates to Open Systems Interconnection.
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference
model. A model that represents the hierarchical arrangement of the seven layers described by the Open Systems Interconnection architecture.
option. (1) A specification in a statement, a selection from a menu, or a setting of a switch, that may be used to influence the execution of a program. (2) A hardware or software function that may be selected or enabled as part of a configuration process. (3) A piece of hardware (such as a network adapter) that can be installed in a device to modify or enhance device function.
P
packet. (1) In data communication, a sequence of binary digits, including data and control signals, that is transmitted and switched as a composite whole. (2) Synonymous with data frame. Contrast with frame.
parameter. (1) A variable that is given a constant value for a specified application and that may denote the application. (2) An item in a menu or for which the user specifies a value or for which the system provides a value when the menu is interpreted. (3) Data passed between programs or procedures.
path. (1) In a network, any route between any two nodes. (2) The route traversed by the information exchanged between two attaching devices in a network.
(3)A command in IBM Personal Computer Disk Operating System (PC DOS) and IBM Operating System/2® (OS/2) that specifies directories to be searched for commands or batch files that are not found by a search of the current directory.
PC. Personal computer.
PCI. Peripheral Component Interconnect.