Glossary page S - Z

An interface controller that allows several peripherals to be
connected to the same port on a computer.

Refers to a section of cable on a network. In Ethernet networks, two types of segments are defined. A populated or trunk segment is a network cable that has one or more nodes attached to it. A link segment is a cable that connects a computer to an interconnecting device, such as a repeater or
concentrator, or connects a interconnecting device to another interconnecting device.

Refers to a manual method of sharing files in which a file is copied from a computer to a
floppy disk, transported to a second computer by a person physically walking (apparently wearing
sneakers) to the second computer, and manually transferring the file from floppy disk to the second
computer.

The rate at which information travels through a network, usually measured in
megabits per second.

LAN topology in which each node on a network is connected directly to a central
network hub or concentrator.

Network topology that connects network devices (such as computers and printers) in
a complete circle.

Copying all the data and programs of a computer system on magnetic tape. On tape,
data is stored sequentially. When retrieving data, the tape is searched from the beginning of tape until
the data is found.

A device that provides electrical resistance at the end of a transmission line. Its function is
to absorb signals on the line, thereby keeping them from bouncing back and being received again by the
network.

A thick coaxial cable that is used with a 10Base5 Ethernet LAN.

A thin coaxial cable that is used with a 10Base2 Ethernet LAN.

A special packet that contains data and acts as a messenger or carrier between each computer
and device on a ring topology. Each computer must wait for the messenger to stop at its node before it
can send data over the network.

A network protocol developed by IBM in which computers access the network through
token-passing. Usually uses a star-wired ring topology.

There are two types of topology: physical and logical. The physical topology of a network
refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals. Logical topology is the method
used to pass the information between workstations. Issues involving logical topologies are discussed on
the Protocol chapter

A Device that receives and sends signals over a medium. In
networks, it is generally used to allow for the connection between two different types of cable
connectors, such as AUI and RJ-45.

LAN topology similar to linear bus topology, except that tree networks can contain
branches with multiple nodes.

Network cabling that consists of four pairs of wires that are manufactured with the wires
twisted to certain specifications. Available in shielded and unshielded versions.

A hardware interface for low-speed peripherals such as the
keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, printer, and telephony devices.

A network connecting computers within very large areas, such as counties,
countries, and the world.

A collection of workstations and servers on a LAN that are designated to communicate
and exchange data with one another.

A computer connected to a network at which users interact with software stored on the
network.