CobraNet
TM
EV-2
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Appendix A: Definition of Terms
This Appendix contains brief definitions of many of the terms used in the discussion of CobraNet and
CobraNet networks.
Audio Channel
A single audio signal. Audio channels on CobraNet have a 48KHz sampling rate and may be 16, 20 or
24 bit resolution. Multiple audio channels may be carried in a Bundle.
Broadcast Addressing
Broadcasting is a special case of Multicasting (see multicast below). Whereas it is possible, in some
cases, to indicate intended recipients of multicast data, broadcast data is unconditionally received by
all DTEs within a network domain.
Bundle
The basic network transmission unit under CobraNet. Up to 8 audio channels may be carried in a
Bundle.
Category 5 Cable (CAT5)
CAT5 is inexpensive unshielded twisted pair (UTP) data grade cable. It is very similar to ubiquitous
telephone cable but the pairs are more tightly twisted. CAT5 cable runs for Ethernet are limited to 100
meters due to signal radiation and attenuation considerations. A CAT5 run in excess of 100 meters may
be overly sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI). It should be noted that not all CAT5 cable is
UTP. Shielded CAT5 also exists but is rare due to its greater cost and a much shorter distance
limitations than UTP CAT5.
CobraNet
CobraNet is a combination of hardware, software and protocol allowing distribution of many channels
of digital audio over Fast Ethernet. CobraNet supports switched and repeater Ethernet networks. On a
repeater network, CobraNet eliminates collisions and allows full bandwidth utilization of the network.
CobraNet uses standard Ethernet packet structure and network infrastructure.
CobraNet Device
A device in compliance with the CobraNet specification for transmission and/or reception of digital
audio and associated sample clock.
Conductor
CobraNet
Device on the network supplying master clock. A conductor arbitration procedure insures
that, at any time, there is one and only one conductor per network.
Crossover Cable
A crossover cable can be used to directly connect two network devices.
DTE
Short for Data Terminal Equipment, a DTE is any network device that produces or consumes data. A
CobraNet Device is a DTE.
Ethernet
A Local Area Network (LAN) technology that allows transmission of information between computers.
Ethernet is, by far, the most widely deployed LAN standard worldwide.