CHAPTER 3 - NETWORKS Flashcards
Bus topology
computer network in which a “bus” connects all the devices together through a common cable
Data packet
portion of a message that is transmitted through a network; contains check digits and destination address
Hub
Network connection point for all devices using Ethernet cables; data arriving at a hub is copied and send to all the devices on the network
Local Area Network (LAN)
computer network where all connected computers are within a limited geographical area (e.g. home, school, etc); connection between the computers may be through cables or microwave transmission
Packet switching
network communication method that creates and transmits small units of data, called packets, through a network, independently of the overall message
Protocol
international rules that ensure the transfer of data between systems; e.g. TCP/IP standard protocol
TCP/IP (Transmission control protocol/Internet protocol)
communications protocols used to connect hosts on the Internet; models & represents all functionalities required for a successful communication between users
Wide Area Network (WAN)
computer network where all connected computers are in a larger geographical area than that served by a LAN or a MAN (metropolitan area network)
Switch
connection point for multiple devices on a single network; identifies which network device is connected to which port and transmit data to the exact port and network device for which it is intended
Router
used to join multiple networks and serve as an intermediary between these networks so that data can be exchanged efficiently between network devices of those networks; used to connect home network to the internet
Similarities and differences between LAN and WLAN
Similarities:
- both act on local level
- both allow communication
Differences:
- use a different transmission medium
- WLAN offer greater flexibility
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
links 2 or more computer systems within a limited geographical area, similar to LAN; connects using wireless connection method so users can move around
Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
virtualized connection that connects multiple devices and network nodes from different LANs into one logical network
Similarities and differences between LAN and WAN
Similarities:
- both allow communication
- both allow sharing of resources
Differences:
- LAN is usually faster
- WAN is more expensive
Similarities and differences between LAN and VLAN
Similarities:
- act on a local level
- both allow communication
Differences:
- VLAN is safer and offers greater flexibility
- VLAN delivers better performance
Storage Area Network (SAN)
network that connects the servers to the storage devices so that they have enough storage space to complete their tasks; connects servers using a switch and Ethernet cabling
Intranet
a collection of private computer networks within a company, a school or an organization that utilizes standard network protocols to facilitate communication between individuals/work groups and to improve data sharing
Extranet
a computer network that utilizes the Internet to allow controlled access by specific users to a specific LAN or WAN
Internet
a global WAN connecting millions of computer systems together and provides an extensive number of services to users such as the World Wide Web (WWW), containing websites and webpages, file transfer etc
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
a tunnelled computer network that connects 2 or more computer systems, like LAN and WLAN, but allows clients from remote locations to connect to the network and appear to be inside the LAN as if they were physically present