Glossary page #0 - C

Ethernet specification for thin coaxial cable, transmits signals at 10 Mbps (megabits per
second) with a distance limit of 185 meters per segment.

Ethernet specification for thick coaxial cable, transmits signals at 10 Mbps (megabits per second) with a distance limit of 500 meters per segment.

Ethernet specification for fiber optic cable, transmits signals at 10 Mbps (megabits per second) with a distance limit of 2000 meters per segment.

Ethernet specification for unshielded twisted pair cable (category 3, 4, or 5), transmits signals at 10 Mbps (megabits per second) with a distance limit of 100 meters per segment.

Ethernet specification for unshielded twisted pair cabling that is used to transmit data at 100 Mbps (megabits per second) with a distance limit of 100 meters per segment.

Ethernet specification for unshielded twisted pair cabling that is used to trasmit data at 1
Gbps (gigabits per second) with a distance limitation of 220 meters per segment.

Stands for "Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line." ADSL is a type of DSL, which is a method of transferring data over copper telephone lines. While symmetrical DSL (SDSL) uploads and downloads data at the same speed, ADSL has different maximum data transfer rates for uploading and downloading data.

A network protocol that transmits data at a speed of 155 Mbps and higher. It is most often used to interconnect two or more local area networks.

Apple Computer's network protocol originally designed to run over LocalTalk networks, but can also run on Ethernet and Token Ring.

A 15 pin connector found on Ethernet cards that can be used for attaching coaxial, fiber optic, or twisted pair cable.

A cable to which multiple nodes or workstations are attached.

Binary digit in the binary numbering system. Its value can be 0 or 1. In an 8-bit character scheme, it takes 8 bits to make a byte (character) of data.

Standard connector used to connect 10Base2 coaxial cable.

Devices that connect and pass packets between two network segments that use the same communications protocol.

Transmission medium of copper wire or optical fiber wrapped in a protective cover.

A networking system in which one or more file servers (Server) provide services; such as network management, application and centralized data storage for workstations (Clients).

Carrier Sense Multiple Access Collision Avoidance is a network access method in which each device signals its intent to transmit before it actually does so. This prevents other devices from sending information, thus preventing collisions from occurring between signals from two or more devices. This is the access method used by LocalTalk.

Carrier Sense Multiple Access Collision Detection is a network access method in which devices that are ready to transmit data first check the channel for a carrier. If no carrier is sensed, a device can transmit. If two devices transmit at once, a collision occurs and each computer backs off and waits a random amount of time before attempting to retransmit. This is the access method used by Ethernet.

Cable consisting of a single copper conductor in the center surrounded by a plastic layer for insulation and a braided metal outer shield.

A device that provides a central connection point for cables from workstations, servers, and peripherals. Most concentrators contain the ability to amplify the electrical signal they receive.