Linksys Instant Gigabit EG005W User Manual page 7

Half Duplex - Data transmission that can occur in two directions over a single
line, but only one direction at a time.
Hardware - Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications,
and other information technology devices. The term arose as a way to distinguish
the "box" and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer from the
program you put in it to make it do things. The program came to be known as the
software.
Hub - The device that serves as the central location for attaching wires from
workstations. Can be passive, where there is no amplification of the signals; or
active, where the hubs are used like repeaters to provide an extension of the cable
that connects to a workstation.
IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) - The IEEE
describes itself as "the world's largest technical professional society, promoting
the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences for the
benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the well-being of our
members."
The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and
international standards. The organization publishes a number of journals, has
many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the IEEE
Computer Society.
LAN (Local Area Network) - A group of computers and associated devices that
share a common communications line and typically share the resources of a sin-
gle processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an
office building).
Mbps (Megabits per second) - One million bits per second; unit of measurement
for data transmission.
MDI (Medium Dependent Interface) - On a network hub or switch, a MDI port,
also known as an uplink port, connects to another hub or switch using a straight-
through cable. To connect a MDI port to a computer, use a crossover cable.
MDIX (Medium Dependent Interface Crossed) - On a network hub or switch, a
MDIX port connects to a computer using a straight-through cable. To connect a
MDIX port to another hub or switch, use a crossover cable.
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Instant Gigabit Series
®
Gigabit 5-Port Workgroup Switch
Network - A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data
between users.
Node - A network junction or connection point, typically a computer or work sta-
tion.
Packet - A unit of data routed between an origin and a destination in a network.
Port - A pathway into and out of the computer or a network device such as a
switch or router. For example, the serial and parallel ports on a personal comput-
er are external sockets for plugging in communications lines, modems and print-
ers.
RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) - A connector similar to a telephone connector that
holds up to eight wires, used for connecting Ethernet devices.
Router - Protocol-dependent device that connects subnetworks together. Routers
are useful in breaking down a very large network into smaller subnetworks; they
introduce longer delays and typically have much lower throughput rates than
bridges.
Server - Any computer whose function in a network is to provide user access to
files, printing, communications, and other services.
Software - Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a
particular task is called a "program." The two major categories of software are
"system software" and "application software." System software is made up of
control programs such as the operating system and database management system
(DBMS). Application software is any program that processes data for the user.
A common misconception is that software is data. It is not. Software tells the
hardware how to process the data.
Storage - The semi-permanent or permanent holding place for digital data.
STP - 1. (Shielded Twisted Pair) Telephone wire that is wrapped in a metal sheath
to eliminate external interference. 2. (Spanning Tree Protocol) A technology that
checks your network for any loops. A loop can often occur in complicated or
back-up linked network systems. Spanning-tree detects and directs data along the
shortest path, maximizing the performance and efficiency of the network.
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