GLOSSARY 55
SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol. The current IETF standard
protocol for managing devices on an TCP/IP network.
stack A group of network devices that are integrat ed to form a single logical
device.
switch A device that interconnects several LANs to fo rm 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.
Switch Database A database tha t is stored by a switch to determine if a packet should
be forwarded, and which port should forward the packet if it is to be
forwarded.
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. This is the name for
two of the most well-known protocols deve loped for the
interconnection of networks. Originally a UNIX standard, TCP/IP is now
supported on almost all platforms, and is the protocol of the Internet.
TCP relates to the content of the data travelling through a network —
ensuring that the information sent arrives in one piece when it reaches
its destination. IP relates to the address of the endstation to which data
is being sent, as well as the address of the de stination network.
Tel n e t A TCP/IP application protocol that provides a virtual terminal service,
letting a user log into another computer system and access a device as
if the user were connected di rectly to the device.
TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol. Allows you to transfer files (such as
software upgrades) from a remote device u sing the local management
capabilities of the Switch.
unicast A packet sent to a single endst ation on a network.
WAN Wide Area Network. A communications network that covers a wide
area. A WAN can cover a large geographic area, and may contain
several LANs within it.
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