7000 Series L3 Managed Switch Reference Manual for Software v2.0
Glossary C-3
API
See “Application Programming Interface” on page 3.
Application Programming Interface
An API is an interface used by an programmer to interface with functions provided by an application.
Area Border Router
A router located on the border of one or more OSPF areas that connects those areas to the backbone
network. ABRs are considered members of both the OSPF backbone and the attached areas. They therefore
maintain routing tables describing both the backbone topology and the topology of the other areas. (Cisco
Systems Inc.)
ARP
See “Address Resolution Protocol” on page 2.
ASAM
See “ATM Subscriber Access Multiplexer” on page 3.
ASBR
See “Autonomous System Boundary Router” on page 3.
ATM Subscriber Access Multiplexer
A telephone central office multiplexer that supports SDL ports over a wide range of network interfaces. An
ASAM sends and receives subscriber data (often Internet services) over existing copper telephone lines,
concentrating all traffic onto a single high-speed trunk for transport to the Internet or the enterprise intranet.
This device is similar to a DSLAM (different manufacturers use different terms for similar devices). (Cisco
Systems Inc.)
Autonomous System Boundary Router
ABR located between an OSPF autonomous system and a non-OSPF network. ASBRs run both OSPF and
another routing protocol, such as RIP. ASBRs must reside in a non-stub OSPF area. See also ABR, non-stub
area, and OSPF. (Cisco Systems Inc.)
Auto-negotiation
A feature that allows twisted-pair ports to advertise their capabilities for speed, duplex and flow control.
When connected to a port that also supports auto-negotiation, the link can automatically configure itself to
the optimum setup.
Auto Uplink
Auto UplinkTM technology (also called MDI/MDIX) eliminates the need to worry about crossover vs.
straight-through Ethernet cables. Auto UplinkTM will accommodate either type of cable to make the right
connection.