GLOSSARY
10BASE-T
IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over two pairs of Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP cable.
100BASE-TX
IEEE 802.3u specification for 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet over two pairs of Category 5 UTP cable.
1000BASE-T
IEEE 802.3ab specification for Gigabit Ethernet over two pairs of Category 5, 5e
IEEE 802.3 shorthand term for any 1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet based on 8B/10B signaling.
Auto-negotiation
Signalling method allowing each node to select its optimum operational mode (e.g., 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps and half or full duplex) based on the capabilities of the node to which it is connected.
Bandwidth
The difference between the highest and lowest frequencies available for network signals. Also synonymous with wire speed, the actual speed of the data transmission along the cable.
BOOTP
Boot protocol used to load the operating system for devices connected to the network.
Collision
A condition in which packets transmitted over the cable interfere with each other. Their interference makes both signals unintelligible.