3Com AccessBuilder 500 User Manual page 109

C-7
Network layer The third layer of the OSI reference model. This layer is
responsible for controlling message traffic.
NFS A network file system developed by Sun Microsystems for shared
files over a UNIX platform.
Node An alternative name for a computer or device (such as a printer
or modem) that is connected to a network.
NOS Network operating system.
OSI Open Systems Interconnection, a body of standards set by the
International Standards Organization to define the activities that must
occur when computers communicate. There are seven layers, and each
contains a specific set of rules to follow at that point in the
communication.
PAP Password Authentication Protocol. Part of the PPP protocol to
ensure authentication of the connection between two devices.
Peer-to-peer network A network which contains workstations which
are able to act as both client and client servers.
Piggyback A way of transmitting routing information over ISDN lines
by adding it to valid data frames. This avoids ISDN calls being
generated solely for passing routing information.
Physical layer The first layer of the OSI network layer model. This layer
manages the transfer of individual bits of data over wires, or whatever
medium, that is used to connect workstations and peripherals.
Polling A method of controlling terminals on a multi-point network
where each device is interrogated, in turn, to determine if the device is
ready to receive or transmit data.
PPP Point-to-Point Protocol. The de facto standard protocol for
routing between devices made by different manufacturers.