G l o s s a r y
G -2
b/s or bps
Bits per second.
b u s
A network topology that uses a single, linear run of cable to connect
all the devices in the network. Each device in the network is typically
connected to the main ("backbone") cable by means of a drop cable.
coaxial cable
A cable that has an insulated inner conductor and an outer grounded
shield positioned around a common axis. Coaxial cable offers large
bandwidth and the ability to support high data rates with high
immunity to electrical interference and low incidence of errors.
collision
The interference of two transmissions on the channel when they
attempt to transmit at the same time.
configuration
The interconnection of hardware and software on a network. The
way in which a network is laid out. The hardware or software settings
used to make a device behave in particular ways.
C S M A / C D
Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection. A process used
to regulate network transmissions that has each station listen just
prior to transmitting to assure no other station on the network is
transmitting; then the message can be sent. If two stations start
transmitting at the same time, the resulting data is illegible. The
sender knows to transmit again after a small random interval when it
fails to receive a positive acknowledgement of its message.
data link layer
Layer 2 in the OSI model, providing the transfer of data between
directly connected systems and detecting any error in the transfer.
D B - 9
A 9-pin serial connector with a D-shaped shell, used to implement a
subset of the RS-232 interface.
D B - 2 5
A 25-pin serial connector with a D-shaped shell, used to implement
the RS-232 interface.
d e v i c e
A component connected to the network.
domain
A group of related devices on the network.
download
The process of transferring software to the devices of a network from
one device over the network system.
down-port
A connector provided to link a concentrator or host at a lower level.