Instruction manual

XWEB 3000 – rel.1.3–
Network Interface Card (NIC) - A board that provides network communication capabilities to and from
a computer.
N
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.
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Thinnet - A thin coaxial cable that is used with a 10Base2 Ethernet LAN.