Glossary

This glossary defines terms used in this guide.

10BaseT

10-Mbps Ethernet specification using two pairs of twisted-pair cabling (Category 3
or 5). 10BaseT, which is part of the IEEE 802.3 specification, has a distance limit of approximately 100 meters per segment.

100BaseTX

100-Mbps Fast Ethernet specification using Category 5 UTP wiring. Based on the
IEEE 802.3 standard.

autonegotiation

A protocol through which two connected devices can communicate common capabilities, for example, speed, to each other. Once common capabilities are communicated, the highest common capability for both devices, for example,
100 Mbps, is chosen as the operating mode.

autopartition

An action performed by the hub that separates a network device that might not be functioning correctly from the rest of the network. In some cases, the hub does this automatically, for example, if there are too many data collisions from the device.

cascade

The act of connecting two devices.

collision

When two devices on an Ethernet network transmit data at the same time, the data packets are damaged when they collide on the network.

collision domain

The network area within which frames that have collided are propagated. Hubs propagate collisions; LAN switches, bridges, and routers do not.

crossover Ethernet cable

A cable that connects two similar devices, for example, two data terminal equipment (DTE) or data communications equipment (DCE) devices. An example is connecting the hub to another Cisco 1528 Micro Hub 10/100.

Ethernet

Baseband LAN specification invented by Xerox Corporation and developed jointly by Xerox, Intel, and Digital Corporation. Ethernet networks use carrier sense multiple access/collision detect (CSMA/CD) and run over a variety of cable types at 10 Mbps. Ethernet is similar to the IEEE 802.3 series of standards.

Fast Ethernet

Any of a number of 100-Mbps Ethernet specifications. Fast Ethernet offers a speed ten times that of the 10BaseT Ethernet specification. Existing 10BaseT applications and network management tools can run on Fast Ethernet networks. Based on an extension to the IEEE 802.3 specification.

internal bridging

A hardware feature that enables the bridging of network segments. The hub can bridge network segments running at 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps.

link

A connection between two ports.

MDI/MDI-X

With the media-dependent interface (MDI) button in the IN position, you can connect the hub to another Cisco 1528 Micro Hub 10/100 or a compatible switch via port 8 on the hub using a straight-through Ethernet cable rather a crossover Ethernet cable. With the MDI/MDI-X button in the OUT position, you can connect the hub to another Cisco 1528 Micro Hub 10/100 or a compatible switch via port 8 on the hub with a crossover Ethernet cable.

repeater

A device that regenerates and propagates electrical signals between two network segments. In Ethernet and IEEE 802.3, also referred to as a hub.

segment

Section of a network that is bounded by bridges, routers, or switches.

STP

Shielded twisted-pair. A two-pair wiring mechanism used in a variety of network implementations. STP cabling has a layer of foil shield to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).

straight-through Ethernet cable

A cable that wires a pin to its equivalent pin. A straight-through Ethernet cable is the most common cable used. An example specific to the hub is connecting a hub to an end station, such as a PC.

UTP

Unshielded twisted-pair. A wire medium used in a variety of networks. UTP cabling standards are Categories 1 through 5.