Objective

This article explains some bias-free language that Cisco will use from this point forward.

Introduction

Cisco’s purpose is to power an inclusive future for all. Therefore, some terms will be changed to more appropriate alternatives. In addition, previously released documentation will be updated wherever possible. Firmware updates will include replacements of these terms on the Web User Interface (UI).

Please be patient. Since this is an ongoing process, there may be times when the content of articles and the Web UI may not match. Unfortunately, products that are past the end of software support will not be able to show these updates.

In the sections below, the headings haven’t changed but the words in the bulleted list may be new for you. Here is a summary of the new terms for Cisco:

Switch Stacking

Some network switches have the ability to be connected to other switches and operate together as a single unit. These configurations are called stacks. Stacking shows the characteristics and functionality of a single switch, while adding an increased number of ports. Stacks quickly increase the capacity of a network. Although the stack operates as if it were one switch, different switches are assigned roles so that they can work efficiently together. The primary functions are explained here:

- Active: The switch that controls the processes and is the center of communication. This switch stores the running configuration files for the group. Changes can be made on this switch which are then applied to all the switches in the stack.

- Standby: The secondary switch in the stack that acts as a member switch, but if the active switch in the stack goes offline, it will become the active switch. The standby switch helps maintain the resiliency of the stack.

- Member: Not the active or the standby switch, but still a part of the stack that is working together as one unit.

There may be cases where primary, secondary, and subordinate may be used in place of the above terms.

Access Control Lists/MAC Filtering/Web Filtering

These lists/filters help a network stay secure and efficient by allowing immediate access or immediate blocking of sites. This allows you to direct traffic resources in a more specific manner.

Many routers, switches, access points, and security software contain options for these lists/filters.

- Allow list: List of permitted IP addresses, domain names, or MAC addresses that are allowed into the network.

- Block list: List of blocked IP addresses, domain names, or MAC addresses that are considered unsafe and blocked from the network.

Cisco Business Wireless (CBW) Mesh Networks

- Primary Access Point (AP): The wired Access Point (AP) that provides management and control of the wireless network and topology. It is the bridge to the rest of the external network, (usually the Internet) using an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The Primary AP directly links to the premise router which in turn routes traffic to the WAN ISP interface. The Primary AP is the orchestrator of all the nodes providing wireless services within the mesh network. It manages information from the nodes on the network, each client connection quality and neighbor information in order to make the best decision on the best route for optimized wireless services out to the mobile client.

- Secondary or Primary-Capable AP: An AP that has a physical wired connection back to the network. This AP needs to be connected to Ethernet and can become the Primary AP if the Primary AP fails.

- Subordinate: A general term that can be applied to any mesh AP that is not configured as the primary. Mesh extenders are always referred to as subordinates since they don't have the ability to be a primary or secondary AP.

For more CBW vocabulary, check out Welcome to Cisco Business Wireless Mesh Networking.

Conclusion

Our goal is to always effectively communicate, so thank you for taking the time to review these new terms!