Network Terminology

Quick Overview of Networking Terminology

A network is cosisted of multiple interconnected nodes. A node can be a comput- er, a server (that is, a computer dedicated to storing networked data or applica- tions), a shared peripheral (such as a printer or modem) or other networking devices (such as repeating or switching switches, routers, transceivers, etc.).

A Fast Ethernet network operates at a 100Mbps (Megabits per second) transfer speed, as opposed to Ethernet networks, which operate at speeds of 10Mbps.

To be connected to a Fast Ethernet network, a node must be equipped with a Fast Ethernet adapter or a network interface card (NIC). A twisted-pair cable con- nects the node to a switch, and each node is connected to one port on the switch. The port adopts the abilities of a repeater, a transceiver and an adapter in a Fast Ethernet network. Ports and cables are connected through a fixed jack.

All segments are linked together by repeaters (but not by routers, bridges or switches) form a collision domain.

Collisions occur when two or more nodes accidentally attempt to transmit data across the network because of the traffic jams. Naturally, the more packets traveling across the network, the more likely the collision occurs. Although collisions do not cause any serious harm, but they affect the velocity of all nodes traveling on the network. Moreover, collisions prevent twisted pair cabling from being fully utilized, since one of the cable’s two twisted pairs must resolve collision conflicts instead of transmitting data.

What is a Switch?

The networking device you have purchased is known as a switch. It is used to connect and transmit data between network nodes.

A port is consisted of an input/output circuit and any associated circuit. A jack, on the other hand, is an external connector linked to a port. The design of the switch allows one or more jacks to be connected to a single port.

The switch displays different jacks on its external panel. One or more jacks are connected to one internal port. The uplink jack features two jacks. One of them acts as a regular port for data transfer while the other (uplink port) serves to uplink the switch to another switch or repeater hubs. Uplinking different switches or repeater hubs can increase the number of nodes in a network. Expanding a network is nec- essary when planning to connect more computers or offer new services, such as printing capabilities or Internet access.

Each port of a switch acts as an adapter (conform to the network environment), a transceiver (carry data) and a repeater (link different segments).

A Fast Ethernet switch performs three standard functions:

- Repeat signals received from a connected node