Glossary
Line Speed:
Expressed in bps, the maximum rate at which data can reliably be transmitted over a line using given
hardware.
Logical Link:
A temporary connection between source and destination nodes, or between two processes on the
same node.
Mbps:
Megabits per second.
MIB:
Management Information Base, a database of network parameters used by SNMP and CMIP
(Common Management Information Protocol) to monitor and change network device settings. It
provides a logical naming of all information resources on the network that are pertinent to the
network's management.
Multicast:
A multicast is a message that is sent out to multiple devices on the network by a host.
Name Server:
Software that runs on network hosts charged with translating (or resolving) text-style names into
numeric IP addresses.
Network:
An interconnected system of computers that can communicate with each other and share files, data
and resources.
Network Address:
Every node on a network has one or more addresses associated with it, including at least one fixed
hardware address such as "ae-34-2c-1d-69-f1" assigned by the device's manufacturer. Most nodes
also have protocol specific addresses assigned by a network manager.
Network Management:
Administrative services for managing a network, including configuring and tuning, maintaining
network operation, monitoring network performance, and diagnosing network problems.
Node:
Any intelligent device connected to the network. This includes terminal servers, host computers, and
any other devices (such as printers and terminals) that are directly connected to the network. A node
can be thought of as any device that has a "hardware address."
Open System Interconnect (OSI):
See "ISO."
Packet:
A series of bits containing data and control information, including source and destination node
addresses, formatted for transmission from one node to another.
12-4
XPort™
User Manual and Development Kit
