GLOSSARY
10BASE-TThe IEEE specification for 10Mbps Ethernet over Category 3, 4 or 5 twisted pair cable.
100BASE-FXThe IEEE specification for 100Mbps Fast Ethernet over fiber-optic cable.
100BASE-TXThe IEEE specification for 100Mbps Fast Ethernet over Category 5 twisted-pair cable.
1000BASE-SXThe IEEE specification for 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet over fiber-optic cable.
1000BASE-TThe IEEE specification for 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet over Category 5 twisted-pair cable.
auto-negotiationA feature on twisted pair ports that allows them to advertise their capabilities for speed, duplex and flow control. When connected to a port that also supports auto-negotiation, the link can automatically configure itself to the optimum setup.
backbone The part of a network used as a primary path for transporting traffic between network segments.
bandwidth The information capacity, measured in bits per second, that a channel can transmit. The bandwidth of Ethernet is 10Mbps, the bandwidth of Fast Ethernet is 100Mbps.
baud The signalling rate of a line, that is, the number of transitions (voltage or frequency changes) made per second. Also known as line speed.
bridge A device that interconnects two LANs of a different type to form a single logical network that comprises of two network segments.
Bridges learn which endstations are on which network segment by examining the source addresses of packets. They then use this