Reference Manual for the 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router WGT634U
6
Glossary
April 2004, 202-10018-02
A LAN typically connects multiple personal computers and shared network devices such as storage and
printers. Although many technologies exist to implement a LAN, Ethernet is the most common for
connecting personal computers.
MAC address
The Media Access Control address is a unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to every network interface
card. Usually written in the form 01:23:45:67:89:ab.
Mbps
Megabits per second.
MD5
MD5 creates digital signatures using a one-way hash function, meaning that it takes a message and converts
it into a fixed string of digits, also called a message digest.
When using a one-way hash function, one can compare a calculated message digest against the message
digest that is decrypted with a public key to verify that the message hasn't been tampered with. This
comparison is called a "hashcheck."
MDI/MDIX
In cable wiring, the concept of transmit and receive are from the perspective of the PC, which is wired as a
Media Dependant Interface (MDI). In MDI wiring, a PC transmits on pins 1 and 2. At the hub, switch,
router, or access point, the perspective is reversed, and the hub receives on pins 1 and 2. This wiring is
referred to as Media Dependant Interface - Crossover (MDI-X). See also AES.
Maximum Receive Unit
The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.
Maximum Transmit Unit
The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.
Most Significant Bit or Most Significant Byte
MSB. The portion of a number, address, or field that is farthest left when written as a single number in
conventional hexadecimal ordinary notation. The part of the number having the most value.
MRU
The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.
MSB
MSB. The portion of a number, address, or field that is farthest left when written as a single number in
conventional hexadecimal ordinary notation. The part of the number having the most value.
MTU
The size in bytes of the largest packet that can be sent or received.