Networking basics

bps

(Bits-Per-Second) A measurement of how fast data is moved from one place to another. A 56K modem can move about 57,000 bits per second.

ISP

(Internet Service Provider) A company that provides access to the Internet.

Network

(broadcasting) a communication system consisting of a group of broadcasting stations that all transmit the same programs

Server

(computer science) a computer that provides client stations with access to files and printers as shared resources to a computer network

Router

(computer science) a device that forwards data packets between computer networks

Client

(computer science) any computer that is hooked up to a computer network

Interface

(computer science) computer circuit consisting of the hardware and associated circuitry that links one device with another (especially a computer and a hard disk drive or other peripherals)

Intranet

A network designed for the exclusive use of computer users within an organization that cannot be accessed by users outside the organization

mbps

Megabytes per second , a measurement of data transfer rate based on one million bytes per second. Also referred to as millions of bits per second.

Packet

What is the term used to describe a discrete unit of data that is sent from one node to another over the network?

Connection

When a computer hooks up to a Network By using Wireless or Ethernet

WLAN

Wireless local area network. Network connected wirelessly.

Hub

...

NIC

...

WAN

...

Switch

A device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit.

Topology

A diagram that gives information about a network such as where it's located and the IP addresses that computers are using

Internet

A global network connecting millions of computers, making it possible to exchange information.

Broadband

A high-speed Internet connection such as cable, satellite, or digital subscriber line (DSL).

Wi-Fi

A local area network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet

Peer-to-Peer

A network model where all computers on the network are equal and data may be shared from computer to computer.

Client/Server

A network that uses centrally administered computers, known as servers, to enable resource sharing for and to facilitate communication between the other computers on the network.

Node

A point along the stem of a plant at which leaves are attached.

Protocol

A standard that specifies the format of data as well as the rules to be followed during transmission

Throughput

Amount of data moved sucessfully from one place to another in a given time period

Address

An Internet Location, such as a URL, an IP address, or an email address.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth describes the amount of data which can be transmitted via a network connection, usually measured in bits per second.

gbps

Gigabits per second. Measure of network bandwidth.

LAN

Local Area Network

Medium

Material through which a wave travels