NonStop System Glossary

network control process
A process pair, named $NCP, that runs in each system of an Expand network. $NCP establishes
and terminates system-to-system connections, maintains network-related system tables (including
the network routing table, NRT), calculates the most efficient way to transmit data to other systems
in the network, monitors and logs changes in the status of the network and its systems, informs
$NCPs at neighbor systems of changes in line or Expand line-handler process status, and aborts
pending requests when all paths go down. See also network routing table (NRT).
Network Information Service (NIS)
A distributed name service (formerly known as Yellow Pages) developed by Sun Microsystems.
See also Domain Name System (DNS).
network routing table (NRT)
A table that resides in each processor in each system in a network. The NRT associates each
destination system with the logical device (LDEV) number of the best-path route Expand line-handler
process to use to send messages to that system. See also network control process.
network topology
The physical layout of components that define a system, a local area network (LAN), or a wide
area network (WAN).
neutral
1. The conductor used as the primary return for current during normal operation of electrical
equipment.
2. The junction of the legs in a wye circuit. See also wye.
3. Generally at ground potential.
NIC
network interface card.
NIS
See Network Information Service (NIS).
nld utility
A utility that collects, links, and modifies code and data blocks from one or more object files to
produce a target TNS/R native object file. See also ld utility and eld utility.
NNA
See node-numbering agent (NNA).
NNA PIC
See node-numbering agent (NNA) plug-in card (PIC).
node
1. A uniquely identified computer system connected to one or more other computer systems in a
network. See also Expand node, ServerNet node.
2. An endpoint in a ServerNet fabric, such as a processor or ServerNet addressable controller
(SAC).
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