Interface Definition
The term "interface" can refer to either a hardware connection or a user interface. It can also be used as a verb, describing how two devices connect to each other.
A hardware interface is used to connect two or more electronic devices together. For example, a printer typically connects to a computer via a USB interface. Therefore, the USB port on the computer is considered the hardware interface. The printer itself also has a USB interface, which is where the other ...
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Ethernet
Network Definition
Network Definition
Network Definition: A network consists of multiple devices that communicate with one another. It can be as small as two computers or as large as billions of devices. While a traditional network is comprised of desktop computers, modern networks may include laptops, tablets, smartphones, televisions, gaming consoles, smart appliances, and other electronics.
Many types of networks exist, but they fall under two primary categories: LANs and WANs.
LAN (Local Area Network)...
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FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet)
FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet)
FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) is a storage protocol that enable Fibre Channel communications to run directly over Ethernet. FCoE makes it possible to move Fibre Channel traffic across existing high-speed Ethernet infrastructure and converges storage and IP protocols onto a single cable transport and interface.
The goal of FCoE is to consolidate input/output (I/O) and reduce switch complexity as well as to cut back on cable and interface card counts...
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Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet is the most widely installed local area network (LAN) technology. Ethernet is a link layer protocol in the TCP/IP stack, describing how networked devices can format data for transmission to other network devices on the same network segment, and how to put that data out on the network connection. It touches both Layer 1 (the physical layer) and Layer 2 (the data link layer) on the OSI network protocol model. Ethernet defines two units of transmission, packet and frame. The...
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40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE)
40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE)
40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) is a standard that enables the transfer of Ethernet frames at speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second (Gbps). The 40GbE standard is intended for local server connectivity; a more robust standard, 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE), is intended for Internet backbones.
In 2007, the IEEE Higher Speed Study Group started work toward 40GbE and 100GbE standards with the goal of increasing available bandwidth while maintaining maximum compat...
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Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology for wired Ethernet LANs (local area networks) that allows the electrical current necessary for the operation of each device to be carried by the data cables rather than by power cords. Doing so minimizes the number of wires that must be strung in order to install the network. The result is lower cost, less downtime, easier maintenance, and greater installation flexibility than with traditional wiring.
For PoE to work, th...
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