3Com 3C16987 manual Loop, Multicast, Protocol, Repeater, Router, Segment

54GLOSSARY

loop	An event that occurs when two network devices are connected by
	more than one path, thereby causing packets to repeatedly cycle
	around the network and not reach their destination.
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 hardware or physical 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.
MDI	Medium Dependent Interface. An Ethernet port connection where the
	transmitter of one device is connected to the receiver of another
	device.
MDI-X	Medium Dependent Interface Cross-over. 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 format, timing, sequencing 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 links between geographically separate
	networks.
RPS	Redundant Power System. A device that 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.