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Appendix C
Glossary of Network Terminology
node A computer, file server, or peripheral device connected to a LAN that is
used to create receive or repeat a message or stream of data. Generally, a node
refers to a client or workstation. (See client and workstation)
packet A unit of information typically sent across a network from one device to
another. Usually the packet has a pre-defined maximum and minimum size that
also includes an identification number as well as information about its origin and
destination.
peripheral A device, such as a printer or modem, attached to a computer. A
peripheral typically serves some input/output function.
port An access point for connection on a computer or peripheral device that is
used to send and/or receive data.
protocol A set of procedures or conventions defined to facilitate the exchange of
data between different kinds of computer systems, or devices.
RAM An acronym for Random Access Memory. RAM is computer hardware
used to temporarily store data. Computer RAM is usually composed of a number
of computer chips.
ROM An acronym for Read-Only Memory. ROM memory is used to store a
computer's general instructions for housekeeping operations. A user can access
and use data stored in ROM, but cannot alter the data. ROM is typically stored on
a nonvolatile memory chip.
SCSI The Small Computer System Interface is an industry-standard interface
which defines mechanical, electrical, and functional requirements for
connections and communication between small computers and disk drives and
other peripherals. Each disk drive is assigned a SCSI Address or SCSI ID (a
number from 0 to 7) that uniquely identifies the device on the SCSI channel.
SNMP An acronym for Simple Network Management Protocol. SNMP is an
industry standard protocol that communicates operational information from a
server to a designated client workstation. An SNMP agent installed on a server
can send information to the client without an explicit request from the client.
Such an operation is called a trap. Traps proactively alert the client of changes
that occur on a server, such as when a SCSI disk is down. The agent knows
which networked client to send traps to through a configurable trap destination..
server A computer, typically running administrative software and storing
resources which are available to other computers connected to a Local Area
Network (LAN). The server provides centralized multi-user access to system
resources such as databases. (See file server)
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