• Installations

10BASE-T cable
A popular Ethernet cable using twisted-pair wiring with RJ-45 plugs at each end. Category 5 10BASE-T cable is used with 10 Mbps Ethernet networks.

10 Mbps
10 Megabits per second; standard Ethernet operating speed. (Also called bandwidth.)

100 BASE-TX cable
An Ethernet cable system using Category 5 twisted-pair wiring with RJ-45 plugs at each end. Used with 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet networks.

100 Mbps
100 Megabits per second; Fast Ethernet operating speed. (Also called bandwidth.)

address learning
Each node on a network has a unique node address automatically assigned to it (embedded in the adapter card). Switches "learn" this address to enable accurate transmission to and from each node.

backbone
A central network cable system that connects a number of other networks. A backbone network is often constructed using thin Ethernet.

bandwidth
The term bandwidth is loosely used in networking terminology to describe the rate at which a network can transfer data. Standard Ethernet operates at 10 Mbps. Fast Ethernet operates at 100 Mbps.

BNC
A high grade locking connector used with thin and thick Ethernet cabling.

bridge
Bridges are used to connect two or more network segments together so that equipment on the networks can communicate. (See also switch.)

broadcast
A network transmission sent to all nodes on the network.

bus topology
A networking setup in which a single cable, such as thin Ethernet, is used to connect one computer to another like a daisy chain to carry data over a network.

cascading
Connecting hubs together with 10BASE-T cabling. Sometimes requires a crossover cable. Also called daisy-chaining.

Category 5 cable
A higher grade of unshielded twisted-pair cabling required for networking applications such as 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet.

client
A computer connected to a network or shared resource server.

client software
Web browsers such as Internet Explorer*, Navigator*, etc., are all client software programs used for accessing the Internet. Each client must have software compatible with the server in order to communicate properly.

Client/Server
A network computing system in which individual computers (clients), use a central computer (server) for such services as file storage, printing, and communications. (See peer-to-peer.)

coaxial cable
Thin or thick coax cable used in Ethernet networking, usually in a bus topology or backbone use. (Also called 10BASE 2 or thin net.)

collisions
Two packets sent over the network segment simultaneously will collide and be rejected. Ethernet will automatically resend them at altered timing to ensure proper receipt.

communications software
Software (such as email and faxing software) that allows users to send or receive data remotely.

cross talk
Signal noise passed between network cable or devices.

data transmission speed
The number of bits that are transmitted per second over a network cable.

dedicated server
A computer on a network that is assigned to function only as a resource server and cannot be used as a client.

driver
A software program that allows a computer system to communicate with other equipment. The driver manipulates the hardware in order to transmit data to the equipment.

email
Method of sending electronic messages using modem and communication software.

Ethernet
Networking standards originally developed in 1973 by Xerox and formalized in 1980 by DEC, Intel, and Xerox which transmits data at 10 Mbps using a specified protocol. The most popular LAN technology in use today. (See Fast Ethernet.)

Ethernet address
Each networking devices such as Network Adapter Cards, has its own unique Ethernet address pre-programmed. The address is obtained automatically when required by network transmission. This number identifies the node or networking device as a unique communication item and enables direct communications to and from that particular computing device.

Fast Ethernet
An Ethernet networking system which transmits data at 100 Mbps.

fax software
Communication software that allows users to create, send, receive, and print documents as faxes from their personal computer.

file server
A dedicated network computer used by client computers to store and access software and work files.

full-duplex
Two-way simultaneous communication. The ability to send and receive electronic signals at the same time. (See half-duplex.)

half-duplex
One way communication at any one time. The send and receive portions of electronic communication are separate. Half-duplex is the standard mode.

hardware
Components of a computer system including monitors, hard drives, CD-ROMs, printers, keyboards, a mouse, portable hard drives, modems, etc.

hub
Also referred to as a "repeater" or "concentrator", its primary function is to receive and send signals along the network between the nodes connected to it. In a LAN, a hub is the core of an Ethernet star network. A hub can be either an active or passive wiring hub. Its useful management capability isolates nodes from disruption on the network.

Internet
A worldwide network of information which can be accessed by a modem and communication software through an Internet Service Provider.

internet work
A large, multi-segment network that includes communication between two networks or two types of networks. Bridges or routers are the devices that join LANs.

Intranet
While similar to the Internet, this is a private, network within a company or other organization that does not run on the Internet. It usually looks just like the Internet, but is separated by a firewall. It is usually set up with locations and pages and functions with the email system. It is used for a variety of inter-company purposes including posting company policy, announcing job openings, listing engineering projects and schedules, meeting announcements, posting sales, benefits coordination, etc.

IP
Internet Protocol. TCP/IP protocol for packet forwarding. (See also TCP/IP)

IPX
(Internet Packet exchange.) A Novell NetWare protocol similar to IP (Internet Protocol).

ISA
Industry Standard Architecture. The most common bus architecture on a DOS based computer. Also called classic bus. A unique network interface card slot specifically designed for an ISA card on the motherboard of a computer.

ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network. Digital switching and carrying data, voice, computer transmissions, music and video at speeds exceeding that of traditional analog telephone lines.

kilobit
One thousand bits of data. 240 kilobits per second means 240,000 bits of information are being transmitted per second over a network (240 Kbps).

LAN
Stands for Local Area Network. A network in a localized (not remote) location that allows users to share files, printers and other print services.

media
Networking wiring such as 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX UTP cable, and coax cable is referred to as media. Other media includes radio wave and fibre optic.

Megabit
One million bits of data. (10 Megabits per second, or Mbps, means that 10 million bits of data are being transmitted over the network per second.)

modem
An acronym from "modulator and demodulator." It converts analog to digital and digital to analog signals. A communications product that sends computer transmission over a standard telephone line at pre-set speeds.

Net BIOS/NetBEUI
The acronym for Net BIOS is "network based input/output system." The acronym for NetBEUI is "NetBIOS extended user interface." Often used in Microsoft's LAN Manager and Windows NT protocols.

network
The means by which computers and other networking devices are connected together so that print services, files, equipment, and software applications may be shared.

NIC
Network Interface Cards, also called adapter cards. They serve as the interface between the computer and the network cable for sending and receiving data.

node
Computing equipment such as a computer, printer, modem, server, etc. that is connected in a LAN con-taining the capability of communicating with other network nodes, and networking devices such as hubs, switches, routers, bridges, etc.

Network Operating System
NOS. A special application that allows computers and other devices on the network to send and receive information.

packet
A unit of transmitted information that follows specific protocols and contains codes that include precise sending and receiving of information from one networked node to another.

PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect bus architecture. This is a 32/64 bit local bus architecture on the motherboard of a computer inside a PC or Macintosh, designed by Intel. It is used to connect network interface cards. Its operation is faster than an ISA or EISA bus.

peer-to-peer
All connected computers on this network type communicate directly without the use of a dedicated serv-er. (See Client/Server.)

peripherals
Equipment such as disk drives, CD-ROM drives, modems, printers, fax machines, keyboards, etc. that are connected to a computer.

Plug and Play
An identifying specification in the PC market that assures the user that the product is as simple or auto-matic to install as possible; both hardware and software installation.

port
A connector on your computer or networking device that is used to attach the cabling. A connector type includes RJ-11 (telephone connection), RJ-45 (communications connection), and BNC (locking-type connector for coax or backbone connections). A typical port would be used to connect the adapter card in your computer to the hub, or the modem to your Internet Station, or any of the connections on a hub, switch, or router.

protocol
A set of procedures or rules for sending and receiving information on a network.

repeater
A network device that regenerates signals so they can extend the cable length.

RJ-11
A standard telephone connector.

RJ-45 plug
The connector on the end of 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX twisted-pair cabling; looks much like a telephone plug.

RJ-45 jack
The connector on the back of a computer or printer that accepts the RJ-45 plug; looks much like an RJ-11 telephone jack, but is larger.

ROM
Read Only Memory.

router
A complex network device used to connect two or more networks together. A router reads information sent along the network and determines its correct destination.

segment
The length of cable on a network between two terminators.

serial port
Communications path through which data is transferred in bytes. Only one wire each is available for transmitted and received data; character bits are sent sequentially between two nodes, one at a time.

server
A computer that provides shared resources to network users.

server-based network
A network in which all client computers use a dedicated central server computer for network functions such as storage, security and other resources.

shared data
Files on the server that can be shared across the network.

shared Ethernet
Standard 10BASE-T Ethernet method of sending data to a hub which then rebroadcasts this data to every node or port on the network until it reaches all nodes. (See switched Ethernet.)

shared resources
Files, printers, peripherals and other services that can be shared across the network.

signal bounce
When a bus topology network cable has not been properly terminated at each end of every open cable, the signal from the network will travel from one end of the cable to the other and then will continually bounce back the way it came.

star topology
A networking setup used with 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX cabling. Each node on the network is connected to the hub like points of a star. (See bus topology.)

store-and-forward
The most accurate data transferring technique used by switches, it examines each packet of a transmission to verify accuracy, and ensure bad or misaligned packets are eliminated, then sends good packets to their destination. When the network is busy, packets are stored until the network is able to carry the traffic and packets are transmitted without error.

subnet
A network segment connected by hubs or repeaters. Subnets can stand alone, can be connected to other subnetworks to form a small LAN, or can be connected to a larger network.

switch
Similar to but more sophisticated than a hub, a switch learns network addresses automatically, providing a private line to the network. A node or a fully populated hub can connect to a switch. A switch is a key component in network expansion (See also bridge.)

switched Ethernet
Unlike shared Ethernet, it provides a "private" connection between two nodes on a network, speeding up the rate at which data is sent along the network and eliminating collisions. (See Shared Ethernet.)

TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Originally two separate protocols, now they are almost always used together. The term TCP has evolved to mean the family of common Internet protocols used by industry. It is the protocol for the Internet. It became widely accepted first in UNIX environments. It is a networking protocol with the ability to connect many widely different elements.

terminator
A 50 ohm resistor at each open end of an Ethernet coax cable that absorbs energy to prevent reflected energy back along the cable (signal bounce). It is usually attached to an electrical ground at one end.

thicknet cable
Also called standard Ethernet, used with 10 Mbps baseband networking. Often used in a backbone topol-ogy or network.

thin Ethernet cable
Usually quarter-inch black coaxial cable, identified by type as RG-58/U. Sometimes called 10BASE-2 or thinnet cable.

topology
A wiring configuration used for a network; think of it as a layout or structure. Examples are the ring, star, bus, and so on.

transceiver
Derived from transmitter/receiver, a transceiver is a device that sends and receives signals, and can connect a computer to the network, such as a network adapter card. It often provides packet collision detection, too.

twisted-pair cable
A cable used for both network communications and telephone communications. Also known as UTP (unshielded twisted-pair), it comes as 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cable.

UTP
Unshielded twisted-pair. Also referred to as 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX network cable.

WAN
Wide Area Network. A very large sophisticated network that extends beyond a single building, and often extends across a city, state or farther.

workgroup
Nodes connected to a hub or switch to form a small communication grouping on the network. For instance, a LAN might have the five accounting people in one workgroup, the shipping/receiving department in another, etc.

WWW
World Wide Web.. It is an incredible body of accessible information available on the many computers around the world and attached to the gargantuan computer networks called the Internet. The Internet's multimedia service contains countless areas of information, documentation, entertainment, as well as business and personal home pages.