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device or Layer 2 device that can filter broadcasts. On a switched network using VLANs, the
broadcast domain is all the ports or collision domains that belong to the same VLAN.
broadcast storm
Occurs when broadcasts throughout the LAN become so numerous that they use up all the available
bandwidth, thus grinding the network to a halt.
brouter
A device that can be used to combine the benefits of both routers and bridges. It’s commonly used to
route routable protocols at the Network layer and to bridge nonroutable protocols at the Data Link
layer.
brownout
A short−term decrease in the voltage level, usually caused by the startup demands of other electrical
devices.
bus
A path used by electrical signals to travel between the CPU and the attached hardware.
bus mastering
A bus accessing method in which the NIC takes control of the bus in order to send data through the
bus directly to the system memory, bypassing the CPU.
bus topology
A linear LAN architecture that uses a common cable with multipoint connections for the flow of data
in a serial progression to all nodes on that network segment.
byte
A set of bits (usually eight) operating as a unit to signify a character.
C
cable modem
A modem that provides Internet access over cable television lines.
campus
A group of buildings in a fixed geographical location, owned and controlled by the organization.
Carrier Access Module (CAM)
A module attached to the ATM cell−switching bus. A CAM can support two port−adapter modules to
provide physical ATM line−ports used by end nodes. A CAM can be placed in the Cisco Catalyst
5500 in slot 9, 10, 11, or 12. It can also be placed in the LS1010 in slot 0, 1, 3, or 4.
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)
A media−access method that uses collision avoidance techniques.
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)
A media−access method that uses collision detection and that listens to the network to see if it is in
use. If the network is clear, data is transmitted. If a collision occurs, both stations will retransmit their
data.
change control
A process in which a detailed record of every change made to the network is documented.
channel
A communications path used for data transmission.
Channel Service Unit (CSU)
A network communications device used to connect to the digital equipment lines of the common
carrier, usually over a dedicated line or Frame Relay. CSU is used in conjunction with a Data Service
Unit (DSU).
Circuit Emulation Services (CES)
A Port to Application Mapping (PAM) module that allows no ATM devices utilizing either T1 or E1
interfaces to attach to an ATM switch backplane. This module can be used to connect private branch
exchange (PBX), video conferencing, and non−ATM routers to the network backbone.
Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)
A Cisco protocol that gathers and stores information about neighboring devices on the network. It can
be used in Ethernet, Token Ring, Serial, and FDDI media types. All Cisco devices including hubs
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