Chapter 7 - Computer Networks
Repeater
A device on a network that amplifies signals.
Intranet
A private network that is set up similar to the Internet and is accessed via a Web browser.
Analog signals
A type of signal where the data is represented by continuous waves.
Digital signals
A type of signal where the data is represented by os and 1s.
Mobile WiMAX
A version of WiMAX designed to be used with mobile phones.
Wi-Fi (802.11)
A widely used networking standard for medium-range wireless networks.
Wireless USB
A wireless version of USB designed to connect peripheral devices.
Network interface card (NIC)
An expansion card through which a computer can connect to a network.
Telecommuting
The use of computers and networking technology to enable an individual to work from a remote location.
Dual-mode phone
A mobile phone that can be used with more than one communications network, such as with both a cellular and Wi-Fi network.
Cellular phone
A mobile phone that communicates via a cellular network; also called a cell phone.
Satellite phone
A mobile phone that communicates via satellite technology.
Bus network
A network consisting of a central cable to which all network devices are attached.
Metropolitan area network (MAN)
A network designed to service a metropolitan area.
Wired network
A network in which computers and other devices are connected to the network via physical cables.
Wireless network
A network in which computers and other devices are connected to the network without physical cables; data is typically sent via radio waves.
Mesh network
A network in which there are multiple connections between the devices on the network so that messages can take any of several possible paths.
Network adapter
A network interface, such as an expansion card or external network adapter.
Personal area network (PAN)
A network that connects an individual's personal devices that are located close together.
Wide area network (WAN)
A network that connects devices located in a large geographical area.
Local area network (LAN)
A network that connects devices located in a small geographical area, such as within a building.
Star network
A network that uses a host device connected directly to several other devices.
Coaxial cable
A networking cable consisting of a center wire inside a grounded, cylindrical shied, capable of sending data at high speeds.
Mobile phone
A phone, such as a cellular or satellite phone, that uses a wireless network.
Virtual private network (VPN)
A private, secure path over the Internet that provides authorized users a secure means of accessing a private network via the Internet.
Parallel transmission
A type of data transmission in which bytes of data are transmitted at one time, with the bits in each byte taking a separate path.
Serial transmission
A type of data transmission in which the bits in a byte travel down the same path one after the other.
Ethernet (802.3)
A widely used wired LAN networking standard.
Infrared (IR) transmissions
A wireless networking medium that sends data as infrared light rays.
Microwave station
An earth-based device that sends and receives high-frequency, high-speed radio signals.
Communications satellite
An earth-orbiting device that relays communications signals over long distances.
WirelessHD (WiHD)
An emerging wireless networking specification designed for connection home consumer devices.
Extranet
An intranet that is at least partially accessible to authorized outsiders.
Computer network
A collection of computers and other hardware devices that are connected together to share hardware, software, and data, as well as to communicate electronically with one another.
Wireless access point
A device on a wireless network that connects wireless devices to that network.
Router
A device that connects multiple networks together; routes packets to their next location in order to efficiently reach their destination.
Modem
A device that enables a computer to communicate over analog networking media, such as connecting to the Internet via telephone lines.
Antenna
A device used for receiving or sending radio signals; often used to increase the range of a network.
Bridge
A device used to bridge or connect two LANs; most often used to connect wired devices wirelessly to a network.
Switch
A device used to connect multiple devices on a single (typically wired) network; forwards packets to only the intended recipient.
Cellular radio
A form of broadcast radio designed for use with cellular telephones that broadcasts using antennas located inside honeycomb-shaped cells.
Telesurgery
A form of robot-assisted surgery in which the doctor's physical location is different from the patient;s physical location and the doctor controls the robot remotely over the Internet or another network.
Twisted-pair cable
A networking cable consisting of wire strands twisted in sets of two and bound into a cable.
Fiber-optic cable
A networking cable that utilizes hundreds of thin transparent fibers over which lasers transmit data as light.
TCP/IP
A networking protocol that uses packet switching to facilitate the transmission of messages; the protocol used with the Internet.
Ultra Wideband (UWB)
A networking standard for very short-range wireless connections among multimedia devices.
TransferJet
A networking standard for very short-range wireless connections between devices; devices need to touch in order to communicate.
Bluetooth
A networking standard for very short-range wireless connections; the devices are automatically connected once they get within the allowable range.
Range extender
A repeater for a wireless network.
Wireless router
A router with a built-in wireless access point; most often used to connect wireless devices to a network and an Internet connection and often contains a built-in switch.
WiMAX
An emerging wireless networking standard that is faster and has a greater range than Wi-Fi.
Videoconferencing
The use of computers, video cameras, microphones, and networking technologies to conduct face-to-face meetings over a network.
Telemedicine
The use of networking technology to provide medical information and services.