Sun Microsystems Sun Fire X4150 - Manual (Page 131)

Glossary 115
erasable programmable
read-only memory
(EPROM) A nonvolatile programmable read-only memory (PROM) that can be written to
as well as read from.
Ethernet An industry-standard type of local area network (LAN) that enables real-time
communication between systems connected directly through cables. Ethernet
uses a Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)
algorithm as its access method, wherein all nodes listen for, and any node can
begin transmitting, data. If multiple nodes attempt to transmit at the same time
(a collision), the transmitting nodes wait for a random amount of time before
attempting to transmit again.
event A change in the state of a managed object. The event-handling subsystem can
provide a notification to which a software system must respond when it
occurs, but which the software did not solicit or control.
externally initiated
reset (XIR) A signal that sends a “soft” reset to the processor in a domain. XIR does not
reboot the domain. An XIR is generally used to escape from a hung system to
reach the console prompt. You then can generate a core dump file, which can
be useful in diagnosing the cause of the hung system.
F
failover The automatic transfer of a computer service from one system, or more often a
subsystem, to another to provide redundant capability.
Fast Ethernet Ethernet technology that transfers data up to 100 Mbit/sec. Fast Ethernet is
backward compatible with 10 Mbit/sec. Ethernet installations.
fdisk partition A logical partition of a physical disk drive that is dedicated to a particular
operating system on an x86-based system.
Fibre Channel (FC) A connector that provides high bandwidth, increased distance, and additional
connectivity from hosts to peripherals.
Fibre Channel-
Arbitrated Loop
(FCAL) A 100 Mbit/sec. loop topology used with Fibre Channel that enables
connection of multiple devices such as disk drives and controllers. An
arbitrated loop connects two or more ports, but enables only two ports to
communicate at a given time.
field-replaceable unit
(FRU) A system component that is replaceable at the customer site.