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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.
MDIX – 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.
Protocol – A set of rules for communication between devices on a network. The
rules dictate format, timing, sequencing, and error control.
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