Newisys NA-1400, User Manual

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Glossary
60 NA-1400
Name
See Appliance Name
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
A specialized file server that connects to a network via an Ethernet cable. The NA-1400’s Web interface
software package enables an OEM to create a robust NAS device.
Network Domain
See Domain.
Network Hub
A device that allows several computers to be connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) via Ethernet
cables.
Network File System (NFS)
The file-sharing protocol that most UNIX computers use. Through NFS, users who have access can
manipulate the shared files and folders on a remote server.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
A piece of hardware that is either built into the motherboard, or a card that plugs into the motherboard. The
function of the NIC is to allow communication from one computer to another. In order to access the Local
Area Network, a computer must have a NIC installed. Each NIC has a unique Media Access Control
(MAC) address that allows computers to be distinguished from each other on a network. There are several
types of NICs, but the most common is Ethernet. The NA-1400 was designed to support most Ethernet
NICs.
NIS
Network Information Service. NIS allows multiple computers in a local area network to share
administrative data. The data is stored in a central database, then distributed over the network.
Partition
A subdivision of the physical hard drive that has been segmented into logical drives for some purpose. The
user will view each of the partitions as a separate physical drive, even though each partition is a logical
drive. In any single physical drive the total disk space is equal to sum of the total disk space in all the
partitions (logical drives). For example, a workstation could have one 80GB hard drive (one physical
drive), but the drive might be set up in four partitions of 20GB each (four logical drives). In this case, the
user sees the one physical drive as four distinct drives, since Microsoft Windows displays each partition as
a separate drive.
Patch Cable
See LAN cable.
Physical Drive
In the context of a partitioned disk drive or a RAID, the actual hard disk drive. See Logical Drive and
Partition.
Physical Volume (PV)
A physical medium.