3Com 3C16476BS-US User Guide - Page 62

62 GLOSSARY network A network is a collection of computers and other computer equipment that are connected for the purpose of exchanging information or sharing resources. Networks vary in size, some are within a single room, others span continents. ping Packet Internet Groper. An internet utility used to determine whether a particular IP address is online. It is used to test and debug a network by sending out a packet and waiting for a response. protocol A set of rules for communication between devices on a network. The rules dictate format, timing, sequencing and error control. RJ-45 A standard connector used to connect Ethernet networks. The "RJ" stands for "registered jack." server A computer on a network that is shared by multiple end stations. Servers provide end stations with access to shared network services such as computer files and printer queues. SFP Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) Connectors are based on an open standard that enables hot swapping of various types of fiber optic and copper-based transceivers into the host equipment. subnet address An extension of the IP addressing scheme that allows a site to use a single IP network address for multiple physical networks. subnet mask A subnet mask, which may be a part of the TCP/IP information provided by your ISP, is a set of four numbers configured like an IP address. It is used to create IP address numbers used only within a particular network (as opposed to valid IP address numbers recognized by the Internet, which must assigned by InterNIC). subnet A network that is a component of a larger network. switch A device that interconnects several LANs to form a single logical LAN that comprises of several LAN segments. Switches are similar to bridges, in that they connect LANs of a different type; however they connect more LANs than a bridge and are generally more sophisticated. TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. This is the name for two of the most well-known protocols developed for the interconnection of networks. Originally a UNIX standard, TCP/IP is now supported on almost all platforms, and is the protocol of the Internet.