3Com 9100 manual Glossary

GLOSSARY 165

Forwarding Database A database that 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. Also known as Switch Database.

filtering The process of screening a packet for certain characteristics, such as source address, destination address, or protocol. Filtering is used to determine whether traffic is to be forwarded, and can also prevent unauthorized access to a network or network devices.

flow control A congestion control mechanism. Congestion is caused by devices sending traffic to already overloaded port on a Switch. Flow control prevents packet loss and inhibits devices from generating more traffic until the period of congestion ends.

full duplex A system that allows packets to be transmitted and received at the same time and, in effect, doubles the potential throughput of a link.

Gigabit Ethernet IEEE standard 802.3z for 1000Mbps Ethernet; it is compatible with existing 10/100Mbps Ethernet standards.

half duplex A system that allows packets to transmitted and received, but not at the same time. Contrast with full duplex.

hub A device that regenerates LAN traffic so that the transmission distance of that signal can be extended. Hubs are similar to repeaters, in that they connect LANs of the same type; however they connect more LANs than a repeater and are generally more sophisticated.

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This American organization was founded in 1963 and sets standards for computers and communications.

IEEE 802.1D A standard that defines the behavior of bridges in an Ethernet network. IEEE 802.1p A standard that defines GMRP and traffic prioritization.

IEEE 802.1Q A standard that defines VLAN tagging.

IEEE 802.3x A standard that defines a system of flow control for ports that operate in full duplex.

IETF Internet Engineering Task Force. An organization responsible for providing engineering solutions for TCP/IP networks. In the network management area, this group is responsible for the development of the SNMP protocol.