Networking Terminology

A Network is a collection of workstations (for example, IBM-compatible PCs) and other equipment (for example, printers), connected for the purpose of exchanging information or sharing resources. Networks vary in size, some are within a single room, others span continents.

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network, usually in an office, that spans no more than a single site.

Ethernet is a type of LAN, referring to the technology used to pass information around the network. It operates at 10Mbps (megabits per second).

10BASE-Tis the name given to the Ethernet protocol that runs over Twisted Pair (TP) cable at 10Mbps. The OfficeConnect hub uses RJ-45 type connectors for connecting your TP network

10BASE-2is the name given to the Ethernet protocol that runs over Coaxial cable.

A Network Loop occurs when two pieces of network equipment are connected by more than one path. Your hub detects this and partitions (isolates) one of its ports to break the loop.

A segment is the length of cable connected to a port, whether this cable is 10BASE-T, 10BASE-2 (Coaxial), or another type. When you daisy-chain equipment together with 10BASE-2 (Coaxial) cable, via single speed hubs, the entire cable forms a single segment.

Packets are the units of information your workstations and other equipment send to each other over the network.

Collisions are a part of normal Ethernet operation and occur if two or more devices (pieces of network equipment) attempt to transmit at the same time. A sudden sustained increase in the number of collisions can indicate a problem with a device, particularly if it is not accompanied by a general increase in traffic. On coaxial segments an increase in collisions can also indicate faulty cabling.