Topic 1.3 Part 1 - Computer networks and topologies Flashcards
What is a computer network?
A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices (computers, servers, printers) that can communicate and share resources.
What is network topology?
Network topology defines the physical or logical layout of devices in a network and how they are interconnected.
What is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?
A WAN is a network that spans a larger geographic area, often connecting LANs across cities or countries.
What is the Internet?
The Internet is a global network of interconnected networks that uses the Internet Protocol (IP) for data exchange.
What is a protocol in networking?
A protocol is a set of rules and conventions that govern communication between devices in a network.
What is IP address?
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device on a network to identify it.
What is DNS (Domain Name System)?
DNS translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses to help locate resources on the Internet.
What is TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)?
TCP/IP is a suite of protocols that powers the Internet, responsible for data transmission and addressing.
What is a router?
A router is a networking device that forwards data between networks and directs traffic on the Internet.
What is a switch?
A switch is a device used in Ethernet networks to forward data to the appropriate device within the same network.
What is a modem?
A modem converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone or cable lines.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
What is a gateway?
A gateway connects two networks with different protocols and manages the translation of data between them.
What is bandwidth
Bandwidth measures the data transfer rate of a network, typically in bits per second (bps).
What is latency?
Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination in a network, often measured in milliseconds.
What is a MAC address?
A MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a unique hardware address assigned to network devices.
What is a subnet mask?
A subnet mask defines which part of an IP address is the network address and which part is the host address.