Networking Flashcards
Network
A computer network allows computers to exchange data with eachother. Comuters in a networks are connected through cables (Ethernet cables) or wireless connections (Wi-Fi, Mobile Broadband)
Packet
A unit, or container of data that is formatted according to a communications protocol.
Node
Network nodes are devices that orginiate, route, or terminate data. The phyiscal location of network nodes are devices such as modems, hubs, switches, or routers.
Bandwidth
Refers to the amount of data that can be simultaneously transferred over a network, and is also commonly used to refer to internet speed.
LAN
LAN, or local area network, is a localized netwrok that connect computers in an area such as a home, school, or laboratory.
WAN
Wide area network is a network that distributed over a large area.A WAN network is usally composed of many smaller LAN networks.
Internet
The internet is a global network that uses TCP/IP (Transmission control protocal/Internet protocal) to transmit data worldwide.
ARPANET
The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network was developed in 1969, and was a protoype of what would eventaully become the internet.
It was funded for development by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Network Topologies
A Network Topology is the method in which a computer network is arranaged. A physical topology references the location of the network parts, whereas a logical topology refers to the flow of data in a network, for example from client to server.
Bus Topology
In the Bus logical topology, connected network nodes are arranged in a linear line, and data is transferred through the network queries sequential machines on the line until it finds the correct recipient.
Star Topology
In a Star Topology, network nodes are connected to a central point, which acts as a signal repeater to connected nodes.
Ring Topology
In a Ring Topology, devices are connected in a circle where data travels around the ring.
The ring topolgy relies on all members of the rinf to function, if a single node fails, then the rest of the rings will fail to receive data.
Mesh/Peer to Peer Network
A peer to peer network is one in which individual network nodes communicate with each other directly, with no intermediate hub.
Client/Server Network
In a client server network, clients (peer) connect to a central network hub, which then distributes data t othe receiving client.
The client server model is the most common in modren computer networking.
IEEE
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is an association which creates standards and assists in the advancement of digital technology.
