PRODUCT CATALOG - SMC

PLUG AND PLAY
A mechanism by which I/O devices are configured automatically
upon installation.
PORT
(1) The entrance or physical access point to a repeater,
computer, multiplexer, device or network where signals
may be supplied, extracted or observed.
(2) To convert software to run in a
different computer environment.
PORT MIRRORING
Method of monitoring network traffic that forwards a copy
of each incoming and outgoing packet from one port of a
network switch to another port where the packet can be
studied.
PORT TRUNKING
This allows several ports to be grouped together into one
logical port which allows a high speed connection. Port
trunking is used when interconnecting switches.
PPP (POINT-TO-POINT PROTOCOL)
PPP is the Internet standard for serial communications.
PPP defines how your modem connection exchanges data
packets with other systems on the Internet.
PPPoA (PPP over ATM)
Data packets are exchanged over ATM
PPPoE
Acronym for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet. PPPoE
relies on two widely accepted standards: PPP and Ethernet.
PPPoE is a specification for connecting the users on an
Ethernet to the Internet through a common broadband
medium, such as a single DSL line, wireless device or cable
modem. All the users over the Ethernet share a common
connection, so the Ethernet principles supporting multiple
users in a LAN combine with the principles of PPP, which
apply to serial connections.
PPTP (POINT-TO-POINT TUNNELING PROTOCOL)
PPTP is a protocol allows secure transmission of data in
TCP/IP packets. PPTP and similar protocols are used to
carry secure communications over Virtual Private Networks
that use public phone lines.
PROTOCOL
Rules governing transmitting and receiving of data.
PROXY SERVER
In an enterprise that uses the Internet, a proxy
server is a server that acts as an intermediary
between a workstation user and the Internet so
that the enterprise can ensure security, administrative
control, and caching service. A proxy server
is associated with or part of a gateway server
that separates the enterprise network
from the outside network and a firewall
server that protects the enterprise
network from outside intrusion.
QoS
This is short for Quality of
service, a networking term
that specifies a guaranteed
throughput level.
REPEATER
In communications, a device that
amplifies or regenerates the data signal
SUPPORT & SERVICE
GLOSSARY
44
in order to extend the distance of the transmission.
Available for both analogue and digital signals, it is used
extensively in long distance transmission to keep signals
from losing their strength. It is also used in LANs.
RIP (ROUTING INFORMATION PROTOCOL)
RIP teaches routers on a wide area network which routers
have access to which addresses. RIP bases its routing
path on the distance (number of hops) to the destination.
RIP maintains optimum routing paths by sending out routing
update messages if the network topology changes.
RMON (REMOTE NETWORK MONITORING)
Provides standard information that a network administrator
can use to monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot a group of
distributed local area networks (LANs).
ROAMING
In wireless communications, the movement by a user
among many cells or zones. The term implies that the
system can locate the handset as it "roams" and provide
continuing service.
ROUTER
In communications, a device that examines the destination
address of a message and selects the most effective
route. A router receives physical layer signals from a
network, performs data link and network layer protocol
processing, then sends the signals via appropriate data
link and physical layer protocols to another network.
STANDARDS FOR LANS
IEEE 802.1 - Standard for local area networks which covers
network management and other aspects related to LANs.
IEEE 802.2 - Specifies the Logical Link Control (data link
layer) for the following access methods (physical layer)
IEEE 802.3 - Specifies CSMA/CD, popularized by Ethernet.
IEEE 802.3u - A revision of IEEE 802.3 for 100BASE-TX
Fast Ethernet.
IEEE 802.11 - Defines wireless local area networks at a rate
of either 1Mbps or 2Mbps.
IEEE 802.11a - WLAN transmission developed in 1999 for
networks with speeds up to 54Mbps and beyond.
IEEE 802.11b - Addition to the IEEE 802.11 standard for
WLANs that added two higher speeds, 5.5Mbps and
11Mbps; also known as Wi-Fi.
IEEE 802.11g - Standard for WLAN with speeds up to
54Mbps using the ISM band; designed to interoperate
with both IEEE 802.11a AND IEEE 802.11b devices.
SDSL
Symmetric digital subscriber line, a new technology that
allows more data to be sent over existing copper telephone
lines (POTS). SDSL supports data rates up to 3Mbps.
SEGMENT
A separate LAN or collision domain.
SEGMENTABLE STACK
Stackable Hubs capable for subdividing the LAN into
separate collision domains.
SERVER
A computer that is on the network and shares resources
with other network users. The server may be dedicated,
which means that its sole purpose is to provide service
for network users, or it may be used as a client.