G
LOSSARY
Glossary-2
Auto-Negotiation
Signalling method allowing each node to select its optimum operationa l
mode (e.g., speed and duplex mode) based on the capabilities of the node
to which it is connected.
Bandwidth
The difference between the highest and lowest frequencies available for
network signals. Also synonymous with wire speed, the actual speed o f the
data transmission along the cable.
Collision
A condition in which packets transmitted over the cable interfere
with each
other. Their interference makes both signals unintelligible.
Collision Domain
Single CSMA/CD LAN segment.
CSMA/CD
CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect) is the
communication method employed by Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit
Ethernet.
End Station
A workstation, server, or other device that does not forward tra ffic.
Ethernet
A network communication system developed and standardized by DEC,
Intel, and Xerox, using baseband transmission, CSMA/CD access, logical
bus topology, and coaxial cable. The successor IEEE 802.3 standard
provides for integration into the OSI model and extends the physical layer
and media with repeaters and implementations that operate on fiber, thin
coax and twisted-pair cable.