- MAC address
A Media Access Control address (MAC address) is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces by the manufacturer of the device and is typically stored in the devices read-only memory or other firmware.
MAC addresses are used in the Media Access Control protocol sublayer of the OSI Reference Model (Layer 2).
- IP address
An Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a numerical label assigned to each device participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. The IP protocol is used at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI reference model.
- EUI-64
An EUI (Extended Unique Identifier), allows a host to assign itself a unique 64-Bit IP Version 6 interface identifier (EUI-64). The IPv6 EUI-64 format address is obtained through the 48-bit MAC address. The Mac address is first separated into two 24-bits, with one being OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) and the other being NIC specific. The 16-bit 0xFFFE is then inserted between these two 24-bits to adjust for the 64-bit EUI address. IEEE has chosen FFFE as a reserved value which can only appear in EUI-64 generated from the an EUI-48 MAC address.
IEEE Standards Association
EUI-64 Guidelines
- Frames
In networking, a frame is a data packet on the Data Link layer (OSI Layer 2). Messages from the Network layer are translated into bits for the Physical layer to transmit. Messages are formatted into data frames, sequenced for transmission, and header information containing the source and destination hardware addresses are added.
- Packets
Packets are formatted units of data broken up into smaller segments for transmission accross a packet-switched network. Each packet consists of two types of data. Control information containing source and destination network addresses as well as additional routing information is typically found in the headers and trailers of each packet, with user data (known as payload) located in between. Each packet is encapsulated with protocols from each of the layers as it is processed. The final encapsulated data packet is called a frame.
OSI Network Layer 3
- Switch
A network switch or switching hub is a computer networking device that connects network segments or network devices. The term commonly refers to a multi-port network bridge that processes and routes data at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.
- Router
Routers are OSI model Network Layer 3 switches that interconnect networks over local or wide areas and provide traffic control and filtering functions when more than one pathway exists between two end-points on the network. Some routers have the capability to connect networks with different physical media and translate between different network architectures.
- Multilayer switch
A multilayer switch is a networking device that performs switching procedures at the OSI model Data Link Layer 2 like an ordinary network switch and can provide additional functions at higher OSI layers. For example, a multilayer switch can provide router functionality at Layer 3 of the OSI model.
- Hub
A hub is a central concentration point for the attachment of wires from workstations in a network. A passive hub is no more than a connection point, possibly a wiring panel or punchdown block that offers no amplification of the signal, while an active hub is powered and will regenerate signals from one device to another. Commonly referred to as a "dumb repeater", communications received by a hub through one port are sent out, or repeated, to every other available port on the hub. Typically used in a star network topology, hubs operate at the Physical Layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model.
- Encryption devices
An encryption device may include any device capable of encrypting data for the purpose of making it more difficult to intercept. Encrypting and decrypting network data is performed at the OSI Presentation Layer 6.
- Cable
A cable is most often two or more wires running side by side and bonded, twisted, or braided together to form a single assembly. An optical cable contains one or more optical fibers in a protective jacket. Networking cables are used to connect one network device to other network devices. Different types of network cables like Coaxial cable, Optical fiber cable, Twisted Pair cables are used depending on the network's topology, protocol and size. The devices can be separated by a few meters or nearly unlimited distances. Cables have no interaction with the data and are categorized as an OSI model Physical Layer 1 device.
- NIC
A NIC (network interface controller) is a computer hardware component that allows computers to communicate over a computer network either by using cables or wirelessly. It is both an OSI model Physical Layer 1 and Data Link Layer 2 device, as it provides physical access to a networking medium and provides a low-level addressing system through the use of MAC addresses. Once commonly implemented on expansion cards that plug into a computer bus, the low cost and ubiquity of the Ethernet standard allowed most newer computers have a network interface built into the motherboard.
- Bridge
A network bridge connects multiple network segments at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. In Ethernet networks, the term bridge formally means a device that behaves according to the IEEE 802.1D standard. A bridge and a switch are very much alike; a switch being a bridge with numerous ports. Switch or Layer 2 switch is often used interchangeably with bridge.
