3Com 1100 User Manual page 52

52 G
LOSSARY
broadcast storm Multiple simultaneous broadcasts that typically absorb all the available
network bandwidth and can cause a network to fail. Broadcast storms
can be due to faulty network devices.
collision A term used to describe two colliding packets in an Ethernet network.
Collisions are a part of normal Ethernet operation, but a sudden
prolonged increase in the number of collisions can indicate a problem
with a device, particularly if it is not accompanied by a general increase
in traffic.
CSMA/CD Carrier-sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection. The protocol
defined in Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 standards in which devices transmit
only after finding a data channel clear for a period of time. When two
devices transmit simultaneously, a collision occurs and the colliding
devices delay their retransmittions for a random length of time.
endstation A computer, printer or server that is connected to a network.
Ethernet A LAN specification developed jointly by Xerox, Intel and Digital
Equipment Corporation. Ethernet networks use CSMA/CD to transmit
packets at a rate of 10Mbps over a variety of cables.
Ethernet address See MAC address.
Fast Ethernet An Ethernet system that is designed to operate at 100Mbps.
The process of sending a packet toward its destination using a
forwarding
networking device.
The process of screening a packet for certain characteristics, such as
filtering
source address, destination address, or protocol. Filtering is used to
determine whether traffic is to be forwarded, and can also prevent
unauthorized access to a network or network devices.
flow control A congestion control mechanism. Congestion is caused by devices
sending traffic to already overloaded port on a Switch. Flow control
prevents packet loss and and inhibits devices from generating more
traffic until the period of congestion ends.
full duplex A system that allows packets to be transmitted and received at the
same time and, in effect, doubles the potential throughput of a link.
A system that allows packets to transmitted and received, but not at
half duplex
the same time. Contrast with full duplex.