3Com OfficeConnect 3C19500 User Manual page 46

Modem (MOdulator-DEModulator) A device that adapts a
computer's digital signal into audio frequencies (analog) for
transmission down a telephone line, and changes them back
again. Transmission speeds of modems generally range from
2,400 bps (2.4 Kbps) to 56,000 bps (56 Kbps).
Multicast A packet sent to a specific group of endstations on a
network.
Network A Network is a collection of computers and other
computer equipment that are connected for the purpose of
exchanging information or sharing resources. Networks vary in
size, some are within a single room, others span continents.
Network Interface Card (NIC) A circuit board installed into a
piece of computing equipment, for example, a computer, that
enables you to connect it to the network. A NIC is also known as
an adapter or adapter card.
Network Loops Your network will not work if it has a network
loop in it. This occurs when two pieces of network equipment
are connected by more than one path, thereby causing packets
to repeatedly cycle round and round the network and not reach
their destination.
PC Card The Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association (PCMCIA) was set up in 1989 to standardize a
method for connecting equipment to portable computers. The
PCMCIA created a 16-bit socket into which credit card-sized
cards are plugged: these are commonly known as PC cards. The
ports on these cards attach, for example, modems, sound cards
and hard disks to portable computers.
POST (Power On Self Test) An internal test that a device carries
out when it is powered-up.
Protocol A set of rules for communication between devices on a
network. The rules dictate format, timing, sequencing and error
control.
RJ-45 A standard connector used to connect Ethernet networks.
The "RJ" stands for "registered jack".
Router A device that provides WAN links between geographically
separate networks.
Share A Share is a directory on the Network Storage Server that
can be accessed by multiple Users.
Segment A section of a LAN that is connected to the rest of the
network using a switch or bridge.
Server A computer in a network that is shared by multiple
endstations. Servers provide endstations with access to shared
network services such as computer files and printer queues.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) The current
IETF standard protocol for managing devices on an TCP/IP
network.
Stack A group of network devices that are integrated to form a
single logical device.
Subnet Address An extension of the IP addressing scheme that
allows a site to use a single IP network address for multiple
physical networks.
46