Networking

Servers

act as a central source of programs and data to which all network users have access

Peer-to-Peer Networks

all computers on the network support the same functions; they are all equal; no server; most popular in home networks

Cloud-based Networks

an organization pays a third-party vendor to host data, applications and other resources on servers; the organization manages those resources via a web browser

Node

any device connected to a computer network (ex: computer, printer, server)

Packet Switching

grouping data in small chunks that contain sequence numbers so that they can be reassembled at the destination

Network Interface Card (NIC)

installed inside each computer that is connected to the network; acts as the translator between the computer and the network

Client-Server Networks

one centralized, powerful computer is a "hub" to which many less powerful workstation computers are connected; the workstations run programs & access data stored on this powerful "hub" computer

Packets

small blocks of data used for transmitting across networks

Network Operating System

software responsible for running and maintaining the network

Topology

the physical arrangement of devices on a network; 5 main types: bus, ring, star, tree, mesh

Domain Name

the text version of an IP address

Ethernet cable

type of coaxial cable used in wired networking

WLAN

uses wireless access points (hotspots) to transmit to and receive from Wi-Fi-enabled devices

Switch

a common connection point for devices in a network; filters network traffic so data only goes where it needs to

Router

a common connection point for devices in a network; forwards data packets between two or more networks

Hub

a common connection point for devices in a network; passes on all of the data it receives to all devices connected to its ports

WAN

a computer network dispersed over a large geographical area (regions, countries, the world); the Internet is the largest WAN; most WANs are not owned by any one organization

MAN

a computer network that usually spans a city or a large campus

LAN

a computer network used for internal communication and data storage; computers are located relatively close to one another; typically owned, controlled, and managed by a single person or organization

Computer Network

a group of computers connected together to allow information to be exchanged; need 2 or more computers to be considered a network; main purpose is to share resources

Protocol

a set of rules that govern the connection, communication, and data transfer between devices on a network

Tree Topology

a setup integrates multiple star topologies together onto a bus

Ring Topology

a setup that connects each node to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals

Star Topology

a setup that requires all nodes on a network to connect to a central controlling unit

Bus Topology

a setup that uses a central cable to connect all devices

Mesh Topology

a setup that uses multiple paths to connect nodes; data can travel more than one route from the sending computer to receiving computer

Backbone

a single cable that functions as a shared communication medium that devices attach to in a bus topology

IP Address

a unique identifying number that is assigned to every device on a network