D-Link DGS-2208 User Manual page 21

Section 5 -Glossary
backbone port
A port that does not learn device addresses, and that receives all frames with an unknown address. Backbone ports
are normally used to connect the Switch to the backbone of your network. Note that backbone ports were formerly
known as designated downlink ports.
backbone
The part of a network used as the primary path for transporting traffic between network segments.
Bandwidth
Information capacity, measured in bits per second, that a channel can transmit. The bandwidth of Ethernet is 10Mbps,
the bandwidth of Fast Ethernet is 100Mbps.
baud rate
The switching speed of a line. Also known as line speed.
BOOTP
The BOOTP protocol allows you to automatically map an IP address to a given MAC address each time a device is
started. In addition, the protocol can assign the subnet mask and default gateway to a device.
bridge
A device that interconnects local or remote networks no matter what higher level protocols are involved. Bridges form
a single logical network, centralizing network administration.
broadcast
A message sent to all destination devices on the network.
broadcast storm
Multiple simultaneous broadcasts that typically absorb available network bandwidth and can cause network failure.
D-Link DGS-2208 User Manual 21