HBK 939800036-A1
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MAC Address
Media Access Control Address. Also called the hardware or physical address. A layer 2 address associated
with a particular network device. Most devices that connect to a LAN have a MAC address assigned to them
as they are used to identify other devices in a network. MAC addresses are 6 bytes long.
Mbps
Megabits per second.
MDI/MDIX
In cable wiring, the concept of transmit and receive are from the perspective of the PC, which is wired as a
Media Dependant Interface (MDI). In MDI wiring, a PC transmits on pins 1 and 2. At the hub, switch, router,
or access point, the perspective is reversed, and the hub receives on pins 1 and 2. This wiring is referred to
as Media Dependant Interface - Crossover (MDI-X).
NAT
Network Address Translation. NAT enables all the computers on your network to share one IP address. The
NAT capability of the Router allows you to access the Internet from any computer on your home network
without having to purchase more IP addresses from your ISP.
Network
A Network is a collection of computers and other computer equipment that are connected for the purpose of
exchanging information or sharing resources. Networks vary in size, some are within a single room, others
span continents.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
A circuit board installed into a piece of computing equipment, for example, a computer, that enables you to
connect it to the network. A NIC is also known as an adapter or adapter card.
Protocol
A set of rules for communication between devices on a network. The rules dictate format, timing, sequencing
and error control.
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network.
PPPoA
Point-to-Point Protocol over ATM. PPP over ATM is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet
over an always-on connection by simulating a dial-up connection.
