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CSMA/CD – Channel access method used by Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 standards, in
which devices transmit only after finding the data channel clear for some period of time.
When two devices transmit simultaneously, a collision occurs and the colliding devices
delay their retransmissions for a random amount of time.
data center switching – The point of aggregation within a corporate network where a
switch provides high-performance access to server farms, a high-speed backbone
connection, and a control point for network management and security.
Ethernet – A LAN specification developed jointly by Xerox, Intel, and Digital
Equipment Corporation. Ethernet networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD to run
over cabling.
Fast Ethernet – 100Mbps technology based on the Ethernet/CD network access
method.
Flow Control – (IEEE 802.3z) A means of holding packets back at the transmit port of
the connected end station. Prevents packet loss at a congested switch port.
forwarding – The process of sending a packet toward its destination by an
internetworking device.
Full-duplex – A system that allows packets to be transmitted and received at the same
time and, in effect, doubles the potential throughput of a link.
Half-duplex – A system that allows packets to be transmitted and received, but not at
the same time. Contrast with full-duplex.
IP address – Internet Protocol address. A unique identifier for a device attached to a
network using TCP/IP. The address is written as four octets separated with full-stops
(periods), and is made up of a network section, an optional subnet section and a host
section.
IPX – Internetwork Packet Exchange. A protocol allowing communication in a
NetWare network.
LAN – Local Area Network. A network of connected computing resources (such as
PCs, printers, servers) covering a relatively small geographic area (usually not larger
than a floor or building). Characterized by high data rates and low error rates.
latency – The delay between the time a device receives a packet and the time the packet
is forwarded out of the destination port.
line speed – See baud rate.
main port – The port in a resilient link that carries data traffic in normal operating
conditions.
MDI – Medium Dependent Interface. An Ethernet port connection where the
transmitter of one device is connected to the receiver of another device.
MDI-X – Medium Dependent Interface Cross-over. An Ethernet port connection where
the internal transmit and receive lines are crossed.
MIB – Management Information Base. Stores a device’s management characteristics
and parameters. MIBs are used by the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
to contain attributes of their managed systems. The Switch contains its own internal
MIB.
multicast – Single packets copied to a specific subset of network addresses. These
addresses are specified in the destination-address field of the packet.