Networking Technologies Flashcards
Activity Light
An indicator on a network adaptor that flickers when packets are received or sent.
APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing)
A feature of Windows that enables a DHCP client computer to configure itself automatically with a random IP address in the range of 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254 if there is no DHCP server available.
BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman)
A twist lock connector that is used with coaxial cable to carry on radio frequencies to and from devices.
Cable Modem
A hardware device that connects a subscriber’s device to a service provider’s cable systems.
Cable Stripper
A device that enables you to remove the protective coating from wiring to facilitate installing a media connector.
Cable Tester
An electrical instrument that verifies if a signal is present on a cable. Also called a media tester.
Cellular
Uses radio signals to transmit network data over the cellular telephone system.
CIDR (Classless Inter Domain Routing)
A subnetting method that selects a subnet mask that meets an individual network’s networking and node requirements and then treats the mask like a 32-bit binary word.
CIFS (Common Internet File System)
A file and resource sharing protocol that is related to SMB.
Coax
Pronounced “CO-AX.” A common abbreviation for coaxial cable.
Coaxial Cable
A type of cable that features a central conductor surrounded by braiding or foil shielding. A dialectric insulator separates the conductor and shield and the entire package is wrapped in an insulating layer called a jacket. The data signal is transmitted over the central conductor. The outer shielding servers to reduce electromagnetic interference.
Default Gateway
An IP address of the router that routes remote traffic from the device’s local subnet to remote subnets.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
A network service that provides automatic assignment of IP addresses and other TCP/IP configuration information on network systems that are configured as DHCP clients.
Dial-Up Line
Local-loop phone connections that use modems and standard telephone technology.
DNS (Domain Name System)
The primary name resolution service on the network that maps computer names to their associated IP addresses.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
A broadband technology that transmits digital signals over existing phone lines.
Dynamic Addressing
A method used to assign addresses using the DHCP service.
EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance)
A standards and trades organisation that developed industry standards for technologies such as network cabling. The EIA ceased operations in February 2011.
Ethernet
A family of networking technologies that provide connectivity by using Ethernet network adaptors, contention-based media access, and twisted pair, coax, or fibre media.
F-Connector
A coaxial cable connector used to connect TV and FM antennas.
FC (Face Contact)
Connectors that use a heavy duty ferrule in the centre for more mechanical stability than SMA or ST connectors.
Fibre
A method used to connect devices to the Internet using fibre optic cable.
Fibre Optic Cable
A type of cable in which one or more glass or plastic strands, plus additional fibre strands or wraps, are surrounded by a protective outer jacket. Light pulses carry the signal through fibre optic cable.
Gateway
A device, software, or system that converts data between incompatible systems.
IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority)
An international agency that manages port assignments.
IP (Internet Protocol)
A group of rules for sending data across a network. Communication on the Internet is based on the IP protocol.
IPv4 Address
A 32-bit binary number assigned to a computer on a TCP/IP network.
IPv6
An Internet standard that increases the available pool of IP addresses by implementing a 128-bit binary address space.
IPv6 Address
The unique 128 bit identification assigned to an interface on the IPv6 Internet.
ISDN
A digital transmission technology that carries both voice and data over digital phone lines or PSTN wires.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company that provides access to the Internet.
LC (Local Connector)
A small form factor ceramic ferrule connector for both single-mode and multimode fibre.
LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)
A communications protocol that defines how a client can access information, perform operations, and share directory data on a directory server.
Link Light
An indicator on a network adaptor that lights up when a network signal is detected.
Local Area Connection
A Windows troubleshooting tool used to verify that the computer is connected to the network and able to send and receive data.
Loopback Plug
A special connector used for diagnosing network transmission problems that redirects electrical signals back to the transmitting system.
MAC Address (Media Access Control Address)
Same as the physical address.
Media Tester
An electrical instrument that verifies if a signal is present on a cable. Also called a Cable Tester.
MT-RJ (Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack)
Also called a Fibre Jack connector, is a compact snap-to-lock connector used with multimode fibre.
Multimeter
An electronic instrument used to measure voltage, current, and resistance.
NIC (Network Interface Card)
An expansion card that enables a PC to connect to a LAN. Also referred to as a Network Adaptor.
Physical Address
For network adaptor cards, a globally unique hexadecimal number burned into every adaptor by the manufacturer.
Plenum
An air handling space, including ducts and other parts of the HVAC system in a building.
Plenum Cable
A grade of cable that does not give off noxious or poisonous gases when burned. Unlike PVC cable, plenum cable can run through the plenum and firebreak walls.
Port
A hardware connection interface on a personal computer that enables devices to be connected to the computer, or the endpoint of a logical connection that client computers use to connect to specific server programs.
Private IP Address
Addresses used by organisations for nodes that require IP connectivity within their enterprise network, but do not require external connections to the global Internet.
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)
An international telephone system that carries analogue voice data.
Public IP Address
Addresses that can be used by organisations that can also be shared with external networks.
Punch Down Tool
A tool used in a wiring closet to connect cable wires directly to a patch panel.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
A flexible rubber-like plastic used to surround some twisted pair cabling. It is flexible and inexpensive, but gives off noxious or poisonous gases when burned.
Satellite
Provides extremely long-range wireless network transmissions to relay network signals from the network service provider to individual customers.
SC (Subscriber Connector or Standard Connector)
Box-shaped connectors that snap into a receptacle. SC connectors are often used in a duplex configuration where two fibres are terminated into two SC connectors that are moulded together.
SMA (Sub Multi Assembly or Sub Miniature type A)
Connectors that use a threaded ferrule on the outside to lock the connector in place.
SMB (Server Message Block)
A protocol that works on the Application layer and is used to share files, serial ports, printers, and communication devices, including mail slots and named pipes, between computers.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
An Application-layer protocol used to exchange information between network devices.
Speed Light
An indicator on a network adaptor that shows whether the adaptor is operating at 10Mbps, 100Mbps, or 1,000Mbps.
SSH (Secure Shell)
A protocol that enables a user or application to log on to another computer over a network, execute commands, and manage files.
ST (Straight Tip)
Connects multimode fibre. ST connectors look like BNC connectors.
Static Addressing
Configuring TCP/IP statically on a network. Requires that an administrator visit each node to manually enter IP address information for that node.
Subnet Mask
A 32-bit number that is assigned to each host to divide the 32-bit binary IP address into network and node portions.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
A connection-orientated, guaranteed-delivery protocol used to send data packets between computers over a network such as the Internet.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
A nonproprietary, routable network protocol suite that enables computers to communicate over a network, including the Internet.
Termination
Adding a resistor to the end of a coax network segment to prevent reflections that would interfere with the proper reception of network signals.
Tone Generator
An electronic device that sends an electronic signal through one set of UTP cables.
Tone Locator
An electronic device that emits an audible tone when it detects a signal in a set of wires.
Tone Probe
An electronic device that emits an audible tone when it detects a signal in a set of wires.
Twisted Pair
A type of cable in which multiple insulated conductors are twisted together and clad in a protective and insulating outer jacket.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
A connectionless, best-effort delivery protocol used to send data packets between computers over a network such as the Internet.
Wi-Fi
The popular implementation of the 802.11b wireless standard.
Wi-Fi Analyser
A Wi-Fi spectrum analyser used to detect devices and points of inference, as well as analyse and troubleshoot network issues on a WLAN or other wireless networks.
Wire Crimper
A tool that attaches media connectors to the ends of cables.
Wire Stripper
A tool that is often incorporated into a wire crimper and that enables the user to remove the protective coating from electrical wires.
Wireless Connection
A network connection that transmits signals without using physical network media.
Wireless Locator
A Wi-Fi spectrum analyser used to detect devices and points of inference, as well as analyse and troubleshoot network issues on a WLAN or other wireless networks.
WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network)
Uses wireless network technology to allow users to check email, surf the web, and connect to corporate resources accessible within the cellular network boundaries.
