Glossary
encapsulation
A method for moving messages across networks that use different types of protocols. The message is encapsulated (rather than translated), so it can move across a network that otherwise could not understand its protocol. Encapsulating bridges and switches generally use proprietary encapsulation schemes.
encode
To translate data into a series of electrical or optical pulses that can travel efficiently over a cable or other medium.
entity
An active element within an Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) network layer or sublayer.
extended LAN
A collection of LANs interconnected by
filtering rate
A measure (in packets per second) of the
forwarding rate
The rate (in packets per second) at which the
frame
A data message that includes a source address, destination address, data, frame check sequence (FCS), and control information.
full wire speed
Refers to packet forwarding at the maximum rate at which data can be transmitted on a given LAN.