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