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Glossary
10BASE-T
IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet over two pairs of Category 3, 4, or 5
UTP cable.
100BASE-TX
IEEE 802.3u specification for 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet over two pairs of Category 5
UTP cable.
Auto-Negotiation
Signalling method allowing each node to select its optimum operational mode (e.g., 10
Mbps or 100 Mbps and half or full duplex) based on the capabilities of the node to
which it is connected.
Bandwidth
The difference between the highest and lowest frequencies available for network
signals. Also synonymous with wire speed, the actual speed of the data transmission
along the cable.
Collision
A condition in which packets transmitted over the cable interfere with each other.
Their interference makes both signals unintelligible.
Collision Domain
Single CSMA/CD LAN segment.
CSMA/CD
CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect) is the communication
method employed by Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet.
End Station
A workstation, server, or other device that does not forward traffic.
Ethernet
A network communication system developed and standardized by DEC, Intel, and
Xerox, using baseband transmission, CSMA/CD access, logical bus topology, and
coaxial cable. The successor IEEE 802.3 standard provides for integration into the OSI
model and extends the physical layer and media with repeaters and implementations
that operate on fiber, thin coax and twisted-pair cable.
Fast Ethernet
A 100 Mbps network communication system based on Ethernet and the CSMA/CD
access method.
Full Duplex
Transmission method that allows two network devices to transmit and receive
concurrently, effectively doubling the bandwidth of that link.
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
IEEE 802.3
Defines carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD) access
method and physical layer specifications.
IEEE 802.3ab
Defines CSMA/CD access method and physical layer specifications for 1000BASE-T
Fast Ethernet.
IEEE 802.3u
Defines CSMA/CD access method and physical layer specifications for 100BASE-TX
Fast Ethernet.
IEEE 802.3x
Defines Ethernet frame start/stop requests and timers used for flow control on full-
duplex links.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A group of interconnected computer and support devices.
LAN Segment
Separate LAN or collision domain.
LED
Light emitting diode used or monitoring a device or network condition.
