52 GLOSSARY
MAC address Media Access Con trol address; also called hardware or physical address.
A layer 2 address associated with a parti cular 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.
MDI Medium Dependent Interface. An Ethernet port connection where the
transmitter of one device is conne cted to the receiver of another
device.
MDI-X Medium Dependent Interface Cross-ov er. An Ethernet port connection
where the internal transmit and receive lines are crossed.
multicast A packet sent to a specific group of endstations on a network .
NIC Network Interface Card. A circuit board installed in an endstation that
allows it to be connected to a network.
POST Power On Self Test. An internal test that a Switch carries out when it is
powered-up.
protocol A set of rules for communication between devices on a network. The
rules dictate f ormat, timing, sequencin g and error control.
repeater A simple device that regenerates LAN traffic so that the transmission
distance of that signal can be extended. Repeaters are used to connect
two LANs of the same network type .
router A device that provides WAN lin ks between geographically separate
networks.
RPS Redundant Power System. A device th at provides a backup source of
power when connected to a Switch.
segment A section of a LAN that is connected to the rest of the network using a
switch or bridge.
server A computer in a network that is shared by multiple endstations. Servers
provide endstations with access to shared netwo rk services such as
computer files and printer queues.
SLIP Serial Line Internet Protocol. A prot ocol that allows IP to run over a
serial line (console port) connection .
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