Dell PowerConnect 54 Series, User Manual

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Glossary
Layer 2
Data Link Layer or MAC Layer . Contains the physical
address of a client or server station. Layer 2
processing is faster than Layer 3 processing because
there is less information to process.
Layer 4
Establishes a connections and ensures that all data
arrives to their destination. Packets inspected at the
Layer 4 level are analyzed and forwarding decisions
based on their applications.
LLDP-MED
Link Layer Discovery Protocol - Media Endpoint
Discovery. LLDP allows network managers to
troubleshoot and enhance network management by
discovering and maintaining network topologies over
multi-vendor environments. MED increases network
flexibility by allowing different IP systems to co-exist
on a single network LLDP.
Load Balancing
Enables the even distribution of data and/or
processing packets across available network
resources. For example, load balancing may distribute
the incoming packets evenly to all servers, or redirect
the packets to the next available server.
M
MAC Address
Media Access Control Address . The MAC Address is
a hardware specific address that identifies each
network node.
MAC Address Learning
MAC Address Learning characterizes a learning
bridge, in which the packet’s source MAC address is
recorded. Packets destined for that address are
forwarded only to the bridge interface on which that
address is located. Packets addressed to unknown
addresses are forwarded to every bridge interface.
MAC Address Learning minimizes traffic on the
attached LANs.
MAC Layer
A sub-layer of the Data Link Control (DTL) layer.
Mask
A filter that includes or excludes certain values, for
example parts of an IP address.
For example, Unit 2 is inserted in the first minute of a
ten-minute cycle, and Unit 1 is inserted in fifth minute
of the same cycle, the units are considered the same
age.
MD5
Message Digest 5. An algorithm that produces a 128-
bit hash. MD5 is a variation of MD4, and increases
MD4 security. MD5 verifies the integrity of the
communication, authenticates the origin of the
communication.
MDI
Media Dependent Interface . A cable used for end
stations.
MDIX
Media Dependent Interface with Crossover (MDIX) .
A cable used for hubs and switches.