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Appendix A Glossary
Address mask
A bit mask used to select bits from an Internet address for subnet
addressing. The mask is 32 bits long and selects the network portion of the
Internet address and one or more bits of the local portion. Sometimes is
called subnet mask.
AAL5
ATM Adaptation Layer - This layer maps higher layer user data into ATM
cells, making the data suitable for transport through the ATM network.
ADSL
Asymmetric digital subscriber line
ATM
Asynchronous Transfer Mode - A cell-based data transfer technique in
which channel demand determines packet allocation. ATM offers fast
packet technology, real time, demand led switching for efficient use of
network resources.
AWG
American Wire Gauge - The measurement of thickness of a wire
Bridge
A device connects two or more physical networks and forwards packets
between them. Bridges can usually be made to filter packets, that is, to
forward only certain traffic. Related devices are: repeaters which simply
forward electrical signals from one cable to the other, and full-fledged
routers which make routing decisions based on several criteria.
Broadband
Characteristic of any network multiplexes independent network carriers
onto a single cable. Broadband technology allows several networks to
coexist on one single cable; traffic from one network does not interfere with
traffic from another. Broadcast A packet delivery system where a copy of a