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MPLS
See “Multi-Protocol Label Switching” on page 13.
Multicast Backbone
The MBONE is a virtual network. It is layered on top of portions of the physical Internet to support routing
of IP multicast packets since that function has not yet been integrated into many production routers. The
network is composed of islands that can directly support IP multicast, such as multicast LANs like Ethernet,
linked by virtual point-to-point links called "tunnels". The tunnel endpoints are typically workstation-class
machines having operating system support for IP multicast and running the "mrouted" multicast routing
daemon.
Multicasting
To transmit a message to specific recipients across a network. A simple example of multicasting is sending
an e-mail message to a mailing list. Teleconferencing and videoconferencing also use multicasting, but
require more robust protocols and networks. Standards are being developed to support multicasting over a
TCP/IP network such as the Internet. These standards, IP Multicast and Mbone, will allow users to easily
join multicast groups. Note that multicasting refers to sending a message to a select group whereas
broadcasting refers to sending a message to everyone connected to a network. The terms multicast and
narrowcast are often used interchangeably, although narrowcast usually refers to the business model whereas
multicast refers to the actual technology used to transmit the data.
Multicast OSPF
With a MOSPF specification, an IP Multicast packet is routed based both on the packet's source and its
multicast destination (commonly referred to as source/destination routing). As it is routed, the multicast
packet follows a shortest path to each multicast destination. During packet forwarding, any commonality of
paths is exploited; when multiple hosts belong to a single multicast group, a multicast packet will be
replicated only when the paths to the separate hosts diverge. See “OSPF” on page 15 for more information.
Multiplexing
A function within a layer that interleaves the information from multiple connections into one connection.
Multi-Protocol Label Switching
An initiative that integrates Layer 2 information about network links (bandwidth, latency, utilization) into
Layer 3 (IP) within a particular autonomous system—or ISP—in order to simplify and improve IP-packet
exchange. MPLS gives network operators a great deal of flexibility to divert and route traffic around link
failures, congestion, and bottlenecks. From a QoS standpoint, ISPs will better be able to manage different
kinds of data streams based on priority and service plan. For instance, those who subscribe to a premium
service plan, or those who receive a lot of streaming media or high-bandwidth content can see minimal
latency and packet loss. When packets enter into a MPLS-based network, Label Edge Routers (LERs) give
them a label (identifier). These labels not only contain information based on the routing table entry (i.e.,
destination, bandwidth, delay, and other metrics), but also refer to the IP header field (source IP address),
Layer 4 socket number information, and differentiated service. Once this classification is complete and
mapped, different packets are assigned to corresponding Labeled Switch Paths (LSPs), where Label Switch
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Routers (LSRs) place outgoing labels on the packets. With these LSPs, network operators can divert and
route traffic based on data-stream type and Internet-access customer.
MUX
See “Multiplexing” on page 13.
N
NAT
See “Network Address Translation” on page 14.
netmask
Combined with the IP address, the IP Subnet Mask allows a device to know which other addresses are local
to it, and which must be reached through a gateway or router.
A number that explains which part of an IP address comprises the network address and which part is the host
address on that network. It can be expressed in dotted-decimal notation or as a number appended to the IP
address. For example, a 28-bit mask starting from the MSB can be shown as 255.255.255.192 or as /28
appended to the IP address.
Network Address Translation
Sometimes referred to as Transparent Proxying, IP Address Overloading, or IP Masquerading. Involves use
of a device called a Network Address Translator, which assigns a contrived, or logical, IP address and port
number to each node on an organization's internal network and passes packets using these assigned
addresses.
nm
Nanometer (1 x 10e
9
) meters.
non-stub area
Resource-intensive OSPF area that carries a default route, static routes, intra-area routes, interarea routes,
and external routes. Non-stub areas are the only OSPF areas that can have virtual links configured across
them, and are the only areas that can contain an ASBR. Compare with stub area. See also ASAM and OSPF.
(Cisco Systems Inc.)
O
Open Shortest Path First
A link- state (algorithm used by the router to determine the current topology of a network), Interior Gateway
(distributes routing information between routers belonging to a single Autonomous System) routing
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protocol. This protocol's algorithm determines the shortest path from its router to all the other routers in the
network. This protocol is rapidly replacing RIP on the Internet.
Open Systems Interconnection
OSI is a seven (7) layer architecture model for communications systems developed by the ISO for the
interconnection of data communications systems. Each layer uses and builds on the services provided by
those below it.
OSI
See “Open Systems Interconnection” on page 15.
OSPF
See “Open Shortest Path First” on page 14.
P
packet
A block of information sent over a network. A packet typically contains a source and destination network
address, some protocol and length information, a block of data, and a checksum.
PDU
See “Protocol Data Unit” on page 16.
PHY
The OSI Physical Layer: The physical layer provides for transmission of cells over a physical medium
connecting two ATM devices. This physical layer is comprised of two sublayers: the Physical Medium
Dependent (PMD) sublayer, and the Transmission Convergence (TC) sublayer.
PIM-DM
See “Protocol Independent Multicast – Dense Mode” on page 16.
PMC
Packet Mode Channel.
Point-to-Point Protocol
PPP. A protocol allowing a computer using TCP/IP to connect directly to the Internet.
Port Mirroring
Also known as a roving analysis port. This is a method of monitoring network traffic that forwards a copy of
each incoming and outgoing packet from one port of a network switch to another port where the packet can
be studied. A network administrator uses port mirroring as a diagnostic tool or debugging feature, especially
when fending off an attack. It enables the administrator to keep close track of switch performance and alter it
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if necessary. Port mirroring can be managed locally or remotely. An administrator configures port mirroring
by assigning a port from which to copy all packets and another port where those packets will be sent. A
packet bound for or heading away from the first port will be forwarded onto the second port as well. The
administrator places a protocol analyzer on the port receiving the mirrored data to monitor each segment
separately. The analyzer captures and evaluates the data without affecting the client on the original port. The
monitor port may be a port on the same SwitchModule with an attached RMON probe, a port on a different
SwitchModule in the same hub, or the SwitchModule processor. Port mirroring can consume significant
CPU resources while active. Better choices for long-term monitoring may include a passive tap like an
optical probe or an Ethernet repeater.
Port monitoring
The ability to monitor the traffic passing through a port on a device to analyze network characteristics and
perform troubleshooting.
Port speed
The speed that a port on a device uses to communicate with another device or the network.
Port trunking
The ability to combine multiple ports on a device to create a single, high-bandwidth connection.
Protocol
A set of rules for communication between devices on a network.
Protocol Data Unit
PDU is a packet of data passed across a network. The term implies a specific layer of the OSI model and a
specific protocol.
Protocol Independent Multicast – Dense Mode
Like DVMRP, PIM-DM uses a flood and prune protocol for building multicast trees. However, unlike
DVMRP, PIM-DM uses existing unicast protocols for determining the route to the source.
Q
QoS
See “Quality of Service” on page 16.
Quality of Service
QoS is a networking term that specifies a guaranteed level of throughput. Throughput is the amount of data
transferred from one device to another or processed in a specified amount of time - typically, throughputs are
measured in bytes per second (Bps).
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R
RADIUS
Short for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, RADIUS is an authentication system.
Using RADIUS, you must enter your user name and password before gaining access to a network. This
information is passed to a RADIUS server, which checks that the information is correct, and then authorizes
access. Though not an official standard, the RADIUS specification is maintained by a working group of the
IETF.
Real-Time Operating System
RTOS is a component of the OSAPI module that abstracts operating systems with which other systems can
interface.
Resource Reservation Setup Protocol
RSVP is a new Internet protocol being developed to enable the Internet to support specified
Qualities-of-Service (QoS). Using RSVP, an application will be able to reserve resources along a route from
source to destination. RSVP-enabled routers will then schedule and prioritize packets to meet the
prioritization assigned by QoS. RSVP is a chief component of a new type of Internet being developed,
known broadly as an integrated services Internet. The general idea is to enhance the Internet to support
transmission of real-time data.
RIP
See “Routing Information Protocol” on page 17.
router
A device that forwards data between networks. An IP router forwards data based on IP source and
destination addresses.
Routing Information Protocol
RIP is the routing protocol used by the routed process on Berkeley-derived UNIX systems. Many networks
use RIP; it works well for small, isolated, and topologically simple networks.
RIPng
Routing Information Protocol, new generation.
RMON
Short for remote monitoring, a network management protocol that allows network information to be
gathered at a single workstation. Whereas SNMP gathers network data from a single type of Management
Information Base (MIB), RMON 1 defines nine additional MIBs that provide a much richer set of data about
network usage. For RMON to work, network devices, such as hubs and switches, must be designed to
support it. The newest version of RMON, RMON 2, provides data about traffic at the network layer in
addition to the physical layer. This allows administrators to analyze traffic by protocol.

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