SMC Networks SMC2835W User Manual page 31

Ethernet - A standard for computer networks. Ethernet networks are connected by special cables
and hubs, and move data around at up to 10 million bits per second (Mbps).
ESS - ESS (ESS-ID, SSID) stands for "Extended Service Set". More than one BSS is configured to
become an Extended Service Set. LAN mobile users can roam between different BSSs in an ESS
(ESS-ID, SSID).
Fast Ethernet NIC - Network interface card that is in compliance with the IEEE 802.3u standard.
This card functions at the media access control (MAC) layer, using carrier sense multiple access
with collision detection (CSMA/CD).
Fixed IP – (see Static IP)
Full-Duplex - Transmitting and receiving data simultaneously. In pure digital networks, this is
achieved with two pairs of wires. In analog networks, or digital networks using carriers, it is
achieved by dividing the bandwidth of the line into two frequencies, one for sending, one for
receiving.
Hub - Central connection device for shared media in a star topology. It may add nothing to the
transmission (passive hub) or may contain electronics that regenerate signals to boost strength
as well as monitor activity (active/intelligent hub). Hubs may be added to bus topologies; for
example, a hub can turn an Ethernet network into a star topology to improve troubleshooting.
IP Address - IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP address consists of a series of four numbers
separated by periods, that identifies an single, unique Internet computer host. Example:
192.34.45.8.
ISP - Internet Service Provider. An ISP is a business that provides connectivity to the Internet for
individuals and other businesses or organizations.
LAN - A communications network that serves users within a confined geographical area. It is
made up of servers, workstations, a network operating system and a communications link.
Servers are high-speed machines that hold programs and data shared by network users. The
workstations (clients) are the users' personal computers, which perform stand-alone processing
and access the network servers as required.
Diskless and floppy-only workstations are sometimes used, which retrieve all software and data
from the server. Increasingly, "thin client" network computers (NCs) and Windows terminals are
also used. A printer can be attached locally to a workstation or to a server and be shared by
network users. Small LANs can allow certain workstations to function as a server, allowing users
access to data on another user's machine. These peer-to-peer networks are often simpler to
install and manage, but dedicated servers provide better performance and can handle higher
transaction volume. Multiple servers are used in large networks.
MAC Address - MAC (Media Access Control) A MAC address is the hardware address of a device
connected to a network.
MDI / MDI-X - Medium Dependent Interface - Also called an "uplink port," it is a port on a
network hub or switch used to connect to other hubs or switches without requiring a crossover
cable. The MDI port does not cross the transmit and receive lines, which is done by the regular
ports (MDI-X ports) that connect to end stations. The MDI port connects to the MDI-X port on