96 GLOSSARY
STP See Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).
subnet mask A subnet mask is used to divide the device part of the IP address into two
further parts. The first part identifies the subnet number. The second part
identifies the device on that subnet.
switch A device that interconnects several LANs to form a single logical LAN
that comprises of several LAN segments. Switches are similar to
bridges, in that they connect LANs of a different type; however they
connect more LANs than a bridge and are generally more sophisticated.
Switch Database A database that is stored by a switch to determine if a packet should
be forwarded, and which port should forward the packet if it is to be
forwarded. Also known as Forwarding Database.
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. This is the name for
two of the most well-known protocols developed for the
interconnection of networks. Originally a UNIX standard, TCP/IP is now
supported on almost all platforms, and is the protocol of the Internet.
TCP relates to the content of the data travelling through a network —
ensuring that the information sent arrives in one piece when it reaches
its destination. IP relates to the address of the endstation to which data
is being sent, as well as the address of the destination network.
Telnet A TCP/IP application protocol that provides a virtual terminal service,
letting a user log into another computer system and access a device as
if the user were connected directly to the device.
TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol. Allows you to transfer files (such as
software upgrades) from a remote device using the local management
capabilities of the Switch.
traffic prioritization A system which allows data that has been assigned a high priority to
be forwarded through a switch without being obstructed by other data.
unicast A packet sent to a single endstation on a network.
VLAN Virtual LAN. A group of location- and topology-independent devices
that communicate as if they are on the same physical LAN.
VLAN tagging A system that allows traffic for multiple VLANs to be carried on a single
link.
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