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LAN Local Area Network that consists of connected computing resources
(such as PCs, printers, and servers) covering a relatively small
geographic area (usually not larger than a floor or building).
Characterized by high data rates and low error rates.
latency The delay between the time a device receives a frame and the time the
frame is forwarded out of the destination port.
line speed See baud rate.
MAC Media Access Control. A method for controlling access to a tranmission
medium. An example is the Ethernet CSMA/CD access method.
MIB Management Information Base that stores a device’s management
characteristics and parameters. MIBs are used by the Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP) to contain attributes of their managed
systems. The Switch contains its own internal MIB.
multicast Single packets copied to a specific subset of network addresses. These
addresses are specified in the destination-address field of the packet.
NVRAM Non-volatile RAM. NVRAM retains its contents when the Switch is
powered off.
PACE Priority Access Control Enabled that is 3Com’s innovative technology to
work in conjunction with a switch in order to control the latency and
jitter associated with the transmission of multimedia traffic over
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet.
POST Power On Self Test that is an internal test the Switch carries out when
it is started up.
protocol A set of rules for communication between devices on a network. The
rules dictate format, timing, sequencing, and error control.
RMON Remote Monitoring that is a subset of SNMP MIB II and that allows
monitoring and management capabilities by addressing up to 10
different groups of information.
server farm A cluster of servers in a centralized location serving a wide user
population.
SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol that was originally designed to
be used in managing TCP/IP internets. SNMP is presently implemented
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