3Com 3C16700A - Manual (Page 24)

24
N ETWORKING T ERMINOLOGY
A Network is a collection of workstations (for example,
IBM-compatible personal computers) and other equipment
(for example, printers), connected for the purpose of
exchanging information. Networks vary in size, some are
within a single room, others span continents.
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network, usually in an
office, that spans no more than a single site.
Ethernet is a type of LAN, referring to the technology used
to pass information around the network.
10BASE-T is the name given to the Ethernet protocol that
runs over Twisted Pair (TP) cable at 10Mbps. The
OfficeConnect hub uses RJ-45 type connectors for
connecting your TP network.
10BASE-2 is the name given to the Ethernet protocol that
runs over 50 Ohm Coaxial cable.
A Network Loop occurs when two pieces of network
equipment are connected by more than one path. Your hub
detects this and partitions (isolates) one of its ports to
break the loop.
A segment is the length of Ethernet cable connected to a
port, whether this cable is 10BASE-T, 10BASE-2, or other
type. When you join equipment together with 10BASE-2
cable, via single speed hubs, the entire cable forms a single
segment.
Packets are the units of information your workstations and
other equipment send to each other over the network.
Collisions are a part of normal Ethernet operation and
occur if two or more devices (pieces of network equipment)
attempt to transmit at the same time. A sudden sustained
increase in the number of collisions can indicate a problem
with a device, particularly if it is not accompanied by a
general increase in traffic. On coaxial segments an increase
in collisions can also indicate faulty cabling.
An AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) port is a standard
type of port used to connect 10Mbps Ethernet transceivers
to network equipment (Hub 8C only).
3C16700.book Page 24 Wednesday, July 7, 1999 5:46 PM