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Glossary-8
Node Any single end station on a network capable of receiving, processing, and
transmitting packets.
NVRAM Non-Volatile Random Access Memory. Memory which is protected from
elimination during shutdown and between periods of activity, frequently
through the use of batteries.
Octet A numerical value made up of eight binary places (bits). Octets can
represent decimal numbers from zero (0000 0000) to 255 (1111 1111).
OSI Model Open Standards Interconnect. A model of the way in which network
communications should proceed from the user process to the physical
media and back.
Out-Of-Band Performed without requiring the operation of the network technology.
Most commonly used in reference to local management operations.
Packet A discrete collection of bits that form a block of information. Packets are
similar to frames. Packets are typically generated at the Network Layer
(Layer 3) of the OSI Model, and are encapsulated in frames before being
transmitted onto a network media.
Passive Not utilizing per-port reclocking and regeneration of the signal which is
propagated throughout the device. Commonly applied to Token Ring
equipment to distinguish it from active devices.
Phantom Current A weak voltage passed by Token Ring end nodes to the MAU to open the
relay for that port.
Plenum A cabling term which indicates a cable with insulating material that is
considered safe to use in return-air plenum spaces (in contrast to PVC
insulation) due to its low relative toxicity if ignited.
Port A physical connector which is used as an interface to cabling with
modular or pinned connectors. Ports are associated with Interfaces.
Port Assignment The association, through software management, of specific ports on a
network device to specific channels of a backplane. This assignment is
done on an individual port basis.
Protocol A set of rules governing the flow of information within a communications
infrastructure. Protocols control operations such as frame format, timing,
and error correction. See also Architecture.