SMC Networks SMC2404WBR manual What is MDI / MDI-X?, What is NAT?, What is a MAC Address?

Q.What is MDI / MDI-X?

A. Medium Dependent Interface - Also called an "uplink port," it is a port on a network hub or switch used to connect to other hubs or switches without requiring a crossover cable. The MDI port does not cross the transmit and receive lines, which is done by the regular ports (MDI-X ports) that connect to end stations. The MDI port connects to the MDI-X port on the other device. There are typically one or two ports on a device that can be toggled between MDI (not crossed) and MDI-X (crossed).

Medium Dependent Interface – X (crossed) - A port on a network hub or switch that crosses the transmit lines coming in to the receive lines going out.

Q.What is NAT?

A.Network Address Translation - An IETF standard that allows an organization to present itself to the Internet with one address. NAT converts the address of each LAN node into one IP address for the Internet and vice versa. It also serves as a firewall by keeping individual IP addresses hidden from the outside world. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.

Q.What is a MAC Address?

A.The unique serial number burned into Ethernet and Token Ring adapters that identify that network card from all others.

Q.What is PPP over Ethernet?

A.Point-to-Point Protocol Over Ethernet - A method for running the