dixell xweb 5000, Operation Manual

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XWEB5000 Operation Manual
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Node - End point of a network connection. Nodes include any device attached to a network such as file
servers, printers, or workstations.
Node Devices - Any computer or peripheral that is connected to the network.
P
PCMCIA - An expansion slot found in many laptop computers.
Peer-to-Peer Network - A network in which resources and files are shared without a centralized management
source.
Physical Topology - The physical layout of the network; how the cables are arranged; and how the
computers are connected.
Point-to-Point - A direct link between two objects in a network.
Ports - A connection point for a cable.
Protocol -A formal description of a set of rules and conventions that govern how devices on a network
exchange information.
R
RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) - A configuration of multiple disks designed to preserve data
after a disk casualty.
RAM (Random Access Memory) - The working memory of a computer where data and programs are
temporarily stored. RAM only holds information when the computer is on.
Repeater - A device used in a network to strengthen a signal as it is passed along the network cable.
RJ-45 - Standard connectors used for unshielded twisted-pair cable.
Router -A device that routes information between interconnected networks. It can select the best path to route
a message, as well as translate information from one network to another. It is similar to a superintelligent
bridge.
S
SCSI (Small Computer Serial Interface) - An interface controller that allows several peripherals to be
connected to the same port on a computer.
Segment - Refers to a section of cable on a network. In Ethernet networks, two types of segments are
defined. A populated or trunk segment is a network cable that has one or more nodes attached to it. A link
segment is a cable that connects a computer to an interconnecting device, such as a repeater or concentrator,
or connects a interconnecting device to another interconnecting device.
Speed of Data Transfer - The rate at which information travels through a network, usually measured in
megabits per second.
Star Topology - LAN topology in which each node on a network is connected directly to a central network hub
or concentrator.
Star-Wired Ring - Network topology that connects network devices (such as computers and printers) in a
complete circle.
T
Terminator - A device that provides electrical resistance at the end of a transmission line. Its function is to
absorb signals on the line, thereby keeping them from bouncing back and being received again by the
network.
Thicknet - A thick coaxial cable that is used with a 10Base5 Ethernet LAN.
Thinnet - A thin coaxial cable that is used with a 10Base2 Ethernet LAN.
Token - A special packet that contains data and acts as a messenger or carrier between each computer and
device on a ring topology. Each computer must wait for the messenger to stop at its node before it can send
data over the network.
Token Ring - A network protocol developed by IBM in which computers access the network through token-
passing. Usually uses a star-wired ring topology.
Topology - There are two types of topology: physical and logical. The physical topology of a network refers to
the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals. Logical topology is the method used to pass the
information between workstations. Issues involving logical topologies are discussed on the Protocol chapter