Glossary of Terms
NetBIOS/NetBEUI:
Microsoft's networking protocols for it's LAN Manager and Windows NT products.
Network:
An interconnected system of computers that can communicate with each other and share files, data and resources.
Network Address:
Every node on a network has one or more addresses associated with it, including at least one fixed hardware address such as
Network Management:
Administrative services for managing a network, including configuring and tuning, maintaining network operation, monitoring network performance, and diagnosing network problems.
NIC:
Network Interface Card, an adapter card that is inserted into a computer, and contains the necessary software and electronics to enable the station to communicate over the network.
Node:
Any intelligent device connected to the network. This includes terminal servers, host computers, and any other devices (such as printers and terminals) that are directly connected to the network. A node can be thought of as any device that has a "hardware address."
NOS:
Network Operating System, the software for a network that runs in a file server and controls access to files and other resources from multiple users. It provides security and administrative tools. Novell's NetWare, Banyan's VINES and IBM's LAN Server are NOS examples.
Open System Interconnect (OSI):
See "ISO."
Packet:
A series of bits containing data and control information, including source and destination node addresses, formatted for transmission from one node to another.
