Motorola SURFBOARD SVG2500 - Manual (Page 166)

17 GLOSSARY
151
TERM DEFINITION
with the correct network address data, selects routes, and
recognizes and forwards to the transport layer incoming
messages for local host domains.
NIC A network interface card converts computer data to serial
data in a packet format that it sends over the LAN. A NIC is
installed in an expansion slot or can be built-in. Every Ethernet NIC
has a MAC address permanently saved in its ROM.
node On a LAN, a generic term for any network device.
On an HFC network, the interface between the fiber-optic trunk
and coaxial cable feeders to subscriber locations. A node is
typically located in the subscriber’s neighborhood.
noise Random spurts of electrical energy or interface. May produce a
salt-and-pepper pattern on a television picture.
O
TERM DEFINITION
ohm A unit of electrical resistance.
OSI The Open Systems Interconnection reference model is an
illustrative model describing how data moves through a
network from an application on the source host to an
application on the destination host. It is a conceptual framework
developed by ISO that is now the primary model for
intercomputer communications. OSI is a model only; it does
not define a specific networking interface.
P
TERM DEFINITION
packet
packet-
switched The unit of data that is routed between the sender and
destination on the Internet or other packet-switched network.
When data, such as an e-mail message, is sent over the Internet,
the sender’s IP divides the data into uniquely-numbered packets.
The packet header contains the source and destination IP
addresses. The individual packets may travel different routes.
When all packets arrive at the destination, IP at that end
reassembles the packets.
A scheme to handle transmissions on a connectionless network
such as the Internet. An alternative is circuit-switched.
PacketCable A CableLabs-led project to define a common platform to deliver
advanced, real-time multimedia services over two-way HFC