= Glossary = 
Much networking and !OpenFlow specific terminology was, and continue to be, thrown around -- This is where they ultimately end up. As of now, alphabetical order to the best of ability. 

''' Legacy VLANs, !OpenFlow VLANs, and virtual switches '''

 * '' VLAN '' - A software based construct that groups hosts into the same broadcast domain based on MAC address.  

 * '' Legacy VLANs '' - !OpenFlow term for regular VLANs.  
 
 * '' !OpenFlow VLANs '' - legacy VLANs on which the virtual switches will run as overlay infrastructure. the VLAN number becomes the virtual switch's '' VLAN ID '' 

 * '' Virtual switches '' - Switches that use !OpenFlow protocol to communicate with a Controller and process packets according to flow tables. They are !OpenFlow implementations of overlay networks on switches identified by the VLAN ID and the the 12-digit dpid (Datapath identifier). 

 * '' Datapath Identifier '' (dpid) - A 12-digit, hexadecimal number used to identify a virtual switch. 
 
 * '' flow table '' - Instructions generated by the controller that specify actions to be taken on packets based on their headers.

 * '' Network Operating System '' (NOS) - NOX terminology for software that allows administration to monitor, manage, and configure a network as if it is a centralized entity.