Network Terms - GE Solar 8000M/i Service Manual

Network terms

Node
MAC address
Switch
Segment
IP address
Subnet
2026265-075C
Installation: Ethernet communication
Each network device or node is assigned a MAC address number and
requires a network connection to interface between the network device
and the network.
A 48-bit address assigned by the manufacturer to uniquely identify a
node of the network. This is also known as the Ethernet address.
To implement the star topology, each network device is connected to a
network switch. The switch passes all network data between each
network device in the star segment. Typically, the switch supports 12 to
48 network devices and may be linked to other switches to form larger
networks.
A network segment is comprised of all devices connected to 1 or many
switches which are in-turn connected together to form a larger network.
The boundaries of the segment are defined by networking equipment
that regulate the flow of packets into and out of the segment (e.g. routers
and switches).
A 32-bit (IPv4) address assigned by the user (either statically or
dynamically from a server) to uniquely identify the packets from a device
for routing purposes.
A subnet is a logical segment of a larger network that shares a common
IP address range as defined by a subnet mask. Proper subnetting can
improve the performance and security of a network. Solar 8000 series
monitors support classful subnetting.
Solar 8000M/i patient monitor 3-13