3Com SuperStack II Switch 3000 10/100 User Manual page 138

2 G
LOSSARY
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.
console port
The port on the Switch accepting a terminal or
modem connector. It changes the parallel arrange-
ment of data within computers to the serial form
used on data transmission links. This port is most
often used for dedicated local management.
CSMA/CD
Channel access method used by Ethernet and IEEE
802.3 standards in which devices transmit only
after finding the data channel clear for some period
of time. When two devices transmit simultaneously,
a collision occurs and the colliding devices delay
their retransmissions for a random amount of time.
data center switching
The point of aggregation within a corporate net-
work where a switch provides high-performance
access to server farms, a high-speed backbone con-
nection and a control point for network manage-
ment and security.
Ethernet
A LAN specification developed jointly by Xerox,
Intel and Digital Equipment Corporation. Ethernet
networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD to run
over cabling.
Fast Ethernet
100Mbps technology based on the Ethernet/CD net-
work access method.
forwarding
The process of sending a frame toward its destina-
tion by an internetworking device.
full duplex
A system which allows frames to be transmitted and
received simultaneously and, in effect, doubles the
bandwidth available on a link.
IFM
Intelligent Flow Management. A means of holding
packets back at the transmit port of the connected
endstation. Prevents packet loss at a congested
switch port.
IPX
Internetwork Packet Exchange. A protocol allowing
communication in a NetWare network.