MAC Address
Media Access Control Address. Also called the hardware, physical or Ethernet address. A layer 2 address associated with a particular network device. Most devices that connect to a LAN have a MAC address assigned to them as they are used to identify other devices in a network. MAC addresses are 6 bytes long.
Network
A Network is a collection of computers and other computer equipment that are connected for the purpose of exchanging information or sharing resources. Networks vary in size, some are within a single room, others span continents.
Ping
Packet Internet Groper. An internet utility used to determine whether a particular IP address is online. It is used to test and debug a network by sending out a packet and waiting for a response.
Protocol
A set of rules for communication between devices on a network. The rules dictate format, timing, sequencing and error control.
RJ-45
A standard connector used to connect Ethernet networks. The "RJ" stands for "registered jack."
Server
A computer in a network that is shared by multiple end stations. Servers provide end stations with access to shared network services such as computer files and printer queues.
SFP
Small From Factor Pluggable (SFP) Connectors are based on an open standard that enables hot swapping of various type of fiber optic and
Subnet Address
An extension of the IP addressing scheme that allows a site to use a single IP network address for multiple physical networks.
Subnet Mask
A subnet mask, which may be a part of the TCP/IP information provided by your ISP, is a set of four numbers configured like an IP address. It is used to create IP address numbers used only within a particular network (as opposed to valid IP address numbers recognized by the Internet, which must assigned by InterNIC).
Subnets
A network that is a component of a larger network.
Switch
A device that interconnects several LANs to form a single logical LAN that comprises of several LAN segments. Switches are similar to bridges, in that they connect LANs of a different type; however they connect more LANs than a bridge and are generally more sophisticated.
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