User`s manual

Route
The path that network traffic takes from its source to its destination. The route a datagram may
follow can include many gateways and many physical networks. In the Internet, each datagram is
routed separately.
Router
A system responsible for making decisions about which of several paths network (or Internet)
traffic will follow. To do this, it uses a routing protocol to gain information about the network and
algorithms to choose the best route based on several criteria known as "routing metrics".
routing table
Information stored within a router that contains network path and status information. It is used to
select the most appropriate route to forward information along.
Routing Information Protocol
Routers periodically exchange information with one another so that they can determine minimum
distance paths between sources and destinations.
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol - The network management protocol of choice for
TCP/IP-based Internet.
SOCKET
(1) The Berkeley UNIX mechanism for creating a virtual connection between processes.
(2) IBM term for software interfaces that allow two UNIX application programs to talk via TCP/IP
protocols.
Spanning-Tree Bridge Protocol (STP)
Spanning-Tree Bridge Protocol (STP) - Part of an IEEE standard. A mechanism for detecting and
preventing loops from occurring in a multi-bridged environment. When three or more LAN's
segments are connected via bridges, a loop can occur. Because a bridge forwards all packets that
are not recognized as being local, some packets can circulate for long periods of time, eventually
degrading system performance. This algorithm ensures only one path connects any pair of
stations, selecting one bridge as the 'root' bridge, with the highest priority one as identifier, from
which all paths should radiate.