1.3 - Networks Flashcards
What is a Computer Network?
A group of 2 or more devices connected together to allow them to share resources and exchange data
What is a Standalone Device?
A single PC/Laptop/Tablet that is not connected to a computer network
What is a Local Area Network?
A network that is in a small geographical area located on a single site (e.g. schools)
What is a Wide Area Network?
A network that connects LANs together
What is a Node?
A device on a computer network that receives/transmits data
What is a Client?
A device that users use to access the network
What is a Server?
A powerful computer that manages access to centralized resources (e.g. files/printers)
What is a Switch?
A device that allows multiple devices to connect using cables
What is a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
A piece of internal hardware that allows a network cable to be plugged in to connect to the network
What is a Router?
A device that transmits data between networks
What is the Internet?
A network of interconnected networks
What is Bandwidth?
The amount of data that can be transferred in a given time
What is Fibre?
A wired method of connecting to a network that uses light pulses (more expensive, less interference, faster)
What is Copper?
A wired method of connecting to a network (cheap, easy to interfere with, slower)
What is a Protocol?
An agreed set of rules for communication
