Specifications

Interface to MAC Address
Glossary-6
Interface A connection to a network. Unlike a port, an interface is not necessarily
an available physical connector accessible through the front panel of a
device. Interfaces may be used as backplane connections, or may be
found only in the internal operation of a module (All ports are interfaces,
but not all interfaces are ports).
Internet A world-wide network which provides access through a vast chain of
private and public LANs.
Interoperability The capacity to function in conjunction with other devices. Used
primarily to indicate the ability of different vendors’ networking
products to work together cohesively.
IP Internet Protocol.
IP Address Internet Protocol address. The IP address is associated, by the network
manager or network designer, to a specific interface. The availability of IP
addresses is controlled by the IANA.
ISO International Organization for Standardization. The ISO has developed a
standard model on which network operation is based, called the OSI
Model.
Jitter Degradation of network signals due to a loss of synchronization of the
electrical signals. Jitter is often a result of passing a signal through too
many repeaters.
LAN Local Area Network.
LANVIEW A system which relates diagnostic, troubleshooting, and operational
information pertaining to network devices through the use of
prominently displayed LEDs.
LDRAM Local Dynamic Random Access Memory.
LED Light Emitting Diode. A simple electronic light, used in networking
equipment to provide diagnostic indicators. Also used as a light source
for some fiber optic communications equipment.
Load An indication of network utilization.
M Ports FDDI connectivity ports located on concentrator devices, to which end
nodes connect through their S ports.
MAC Address Media Access Control address. The MAC address is associated, usually at
manufacture, with a specific interface.