3Com 3C16980 User Guide - Page 53

GLOSSARY 53 hub A device that regenerates LAN traffic so that the transmission distance of that signal can be extended. Hubs are similar to repeaters, in that they connect LANs of the same type; however they connect more LANs than a repeater and are generally more sophisticated. IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This American organization was founded in 1963 and sets standards for computers and communications. IEEE 802.1D A standard that defines the behavior of bridges in an Ethernet network. IETF Internet Engineering Task Force. An organization responsible for providing engineering solutions for TCP/IP networks. In the network management area, this group is responsible for the development of the SNMP protocol. IP Internet Protocol. IP is a layer 3 network protocol that is the standard for sending data through a network. IP is part of the TCP/IP set of protocols that describe the routing of packets to addressed devices. IPX Internetwork Packet Exchange. IPX is a layer 3 and 4 network protocol designed for networks that use Novell® Netware®. 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 periods (full-stops), and is made up of a network section, an optional subnet section and a host section. LAN Local Area Network. A network of endstations (such as PCs, printers, servers) and network devices (hubs and switches) that cover a relatively small geographic area (usually not larger than a floor or building). LANs are characterized by high transmission speeds over short distances (up to 1000m). line speed See baud. loop An event that occurs when two network devices are connected by more than one path, thereby causing packets to repeatedly cycle around the network and not reach their destination. MAC Media Access Control. A protocol specified by the IEEE for determining which devices have access to a network at any one time.