166 G LOSSARYIP Internet Protocol. IP is a layer 3 network protocol that is the standardfor sending data through a network. IP is part of the TCP/IP set ofprotocols that describe the routing of packets to addressed devices.IPX Internetwork Packet Exchange. IPX is a layer 3 and 4 network protocoldesigned for networks that use Novell ® Netware ® .IP address Internet Protocol address. A unique identifier for a device attached to anetwork using TCP/IP. The address is written as four octets separatedwith periods (full-stops), and is made up of a network section, anoptional subnet section and a host section.LAN Local Area Network. A network of endstations (such as PCs, printers,servers) and network devices (hubs and switches) that cover a relativelysmall geographic area (usually not larger than a floor or building). LANsare characterized by high transmission speeds over short distances (upto 1000m).LLC Logical Link Control. A sublayer of the IEEE data link layer that islocated above the MAC sublayer. The LLC sublayer is responsible forMAC sublayer addressing, flow control, error control, and framing.latency The delay between the time a device receives a packet and the time thepacket is forwarded out of the destination port.line speed See baud.load sharing Load sharing allows a user to increase the bandwidth and resiliencebetween switches by using a group of ports to carry traffic betweenthe switches.loop An event that occurs when two network devices are connected bymore than one path, thereby causing packets to repeatedly cyclearound the network and not reach their destination.MAC Media Access Control. A protocol specified by the IEEE for determiningwhich devices have access to a network at any one time.
