Glossary

R

ring network A network configuration where a series of attaching devices are connected by unidirectional links to form a closed path.

ring topology A logically circular, unidirectional transmission path without defined ends. Control can be distributed or centralized. See topology.

RJ-45A standard defining the pin assignments for an 8-pin modular plug for 4-pair twisted wire network cable.

S

slot The physical place in the back of the computer where a card plugs in. Each slot has a number.

star topology A logically star- shaped network layout where all traffic is passed through a single point (usually a hub). Hubs can then be connected to form multiple starts.

Station address A 12-digit hexadecimal number that identifies a specific network node, and allows messages to be directed

to that node only. The first 6 digits are the same for all cards from a particular manufacturer. Each manufacturer is assigned a different 6-digit value. Then each card produced by that manufacturer has a different last

6digits. This ensures that all cards from all manufacturers have a unique station address. HP manufactures cards with the first

6digits being 080009 or 0060B0. A default value is permanently coded into each card, but this default can be overridden by the configuration.

T

token ring A network with a ring topology that uses a token for the purpose of establishing control.

Control of the network is passed with the token from one network device to another.

topology Topology can be physical or logical. Physical topology is the configuration of network nodes and links; a description of the physical geometric arrangement of the links and nodes. Logical topology is a description of the possible logical connections between network nodes indicating which pairs of nodes are able to communicate whether or not they have a direct physical connection.

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Glossary