HP-PB 100Base-T Network Adapter Installation and Service Guide (B5427-90001)

Glossary 35
Glossary
local area network A general-
purpose communications network
that interconnects a variety of
devices within a limited
geographical area. A LAN might
connect computers on adjacent
desks, within a building, or within
several buildings of a campus.
M
MAC address See station
address.
Mbits/ Megabits per second
defined as (1,000,000 bits per
second).
medium, media The
transmission connection between
nodes. Most current LANs use
cables (fiber-optic or copper),
althoughradio andotherbroadcast
media are possible.
N
node A station; a physical device
that allows for the transmission of
data within a network.
P
packet A bit stream consisting of
predefined fields that contain data,
addresses, and control
information. In the IEEE 802.3
environment this structure is often
referred to as the ‘MAC frame”.
Packet is the more commonly used
term, and originated in the
Ethernet environment.
Precision Bus See HP-PB.
protocol The set of rules
governing the operation of
functional units of a
communication system that must
be followed if communication is to
be achieved.
R
ring network A network
configuration where a series of
attaching devices are connected by
unidirectional links to form a
closed path.
ring topology Alogicallycircular,
unidirectional transmission path
without defined ends. Control can
be distributed or centralized. See
topology.
RJ-45 A standard defining the pin
assignments for an 8-pin modular
plug for 4-pair twisted wire
network cable.