90GLOSSARY
switches) that cover a relatively small geographic area (usually not larger than a floor or building). LANs are characterized by high transmission speeds over short distances (up to 1000 metres).
Layer 2
Data Link layer in the ISO
Link Aggregation
See Trunking.
MAC
Media Access Control. A protocol specified by the IEEE for determining which devices have access to a network at any one time.
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."
