Linksys EF3512 User Guide - Page 9

Instant EtherFast® Series CAT 5 - ANSI/EIA (American National Standards Institute/Electronic Industries Association) Standard 568 is one of several standards that specify "categories" (the singular is commonly referred to as "CAT") of twisted pair cabling systems (wires, junctions, and connectors) in terms of the data rates that they can sustain. CAT 5 cable has a maximum throughput of 100 Mbps and is usually utilized for 100BaseTX networks. CAT 5e - The additional cabling performance parameters of return loss and farend crosstalk (FEXT) specified for 1000BASE-T and not specified for 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX are related to differences in the signaling implementation. 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX signaling is unidirectional-signals are transmitted in one direction on a single wire pair. In contrast, Gigabit Ethernet is bi-directional-signals are transmitted simultaneously in both directions on the same wire pair; that is, both the transmit and receive pair occupy the same wire pair . Data Packet - One frame in a packet-switched message. Most data communications is based on dividing the transmitted message into packets. For example, an Ethernet packet can be from 64 to 1518 bytes in length. Dynamic Routing - The ability for a router to forward data via a different route based on the current conditions of the communications circuits. For example, it can adjust for overloaded traffic or failing lines and is much more flexible than static routing, which uses a fixed forwarding path. Ethernet - IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium. Has a transfer rate of 10 Mbps. Forms the underlying transport vehicle used by several upper-level protocols, including TCP/IP and XNS. Fast Ethernet - A 100 Mbps technology based on the 10BASE-T Ethernet CSMA/CD network access method. Full Duplex - The ability of a device or line to transmit data simultaneously in both directions. Half Duplex - Data transmission that can occur in two directions over a single line, but only one direction at a time. Hardware - Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other information technology devices. The term arose as a way to distinguish the "box" and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer from the program you put in it to make it do things. The program came to be known as the software. 12 EtherFast® 8-Port and 12-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switches Hub - The device that serves as the central location for attaching wires from workstations. Can be passive, where there is no amplication of the signals; or active, where the hubs are used like repeaters to provide an extension of the cable that connects to a workstation. IEEE - The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE describes itself as "the world's largest technical professional society - promoting the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the wellbeing of our members." The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and international standards. The organization publishes a number of journals, has many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the IEEE Computer Society. LAN - A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line and typically share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building). Latency - The time delay between when the first bit of a packet is received and the last bit is forwarded. MAC (Media Access Control) Address - A unique number assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level. Mbps (Megabits Per Second) - One million bits per second; unit of measurement for data transmission. MDI (Medium Dependent Interface) - On a network hub or switch, a MDI port, also known as an uplink port, connects to another hub or switch using a straight-through cable. To connect a MDI port to a computer, use a crossover cable. MDIX (Medium Dependent Interface Crossed) - On a network hub or switch, a MDIX port connects to a computer using a straight-through cable. To connect a MDIX port to another hub or switch, use a crossover cable. Network - A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data between users. 13