ITM 100 Class 7 (Appendix B) Key Terms Exam Review

client

Computer that is designed to request information from a server.

client/server network

A model for applications in which the bulk of the back-end processing, such as performing a physical search of a database, takes place on a server, while the front-end processing, which involves communicating with the users, is handled by the clients.

coaxial cable

Cable that can carry a wide range of frequencies with low signal loss.

Ethernet

A physical and data layer technology for LAN networking.

fiber optic (or optical fiber)

Refers to the technology associated with the transmission of information as light impulses along a glass wire or fiber.

Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6)

The “next generation” protocol designed to replace the current version Internet protocol.

interoperability

Capability of two or more computer systems to share data and resources, even though they are made by different manufacturers.

local area network (LAN)

Designed to connect a group of computers in proximity to each other such as in an office building, a school, or a home.

metropolitan area network (MAN)

A large computer network usually spanning a city.

network

A communications system created by linking two or more devices and establishing a standard methodology in which they can communicate.

network operating system (NOS)

The operating system that runs a network, steering information between computers and managing security and users.

network topology

Refers to the geometric arrangement of the actual physical organization of the computers (and other network devices) in a network.

network transmission media

Various types of media used to carry the signal between computers.

packet-switching

Occurs when the sending computer divides a message into a number of efficiently sized units called packets, each of which contains the address of the destination computer.

peer-to-peer (P2P) network

A computer network that relies on the computing power and bandwidth of the participants in the network rather than a centralized server.

protocol

A set of rules and standards that govern how data is transmitted and received over networks.

router

An intelligent connecting device that examines each packet of data it receives and then decides which way to send it onward toward its destination.

server

Computer that is dedicated to providing information in response to external requests.

telecommunication system

Enables the transmission of data over public or private networks.

transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP)

Provides the technical foundation for the public Internet, as well as for large numbers of private networks.

twisted-pair cable

A type of cable composed of four (or more) copper wires twisted around each other within a plastic sheath.

wide area network (WAN)

Spans large geographic area, such as a state, province, or country.

wire media

Transmission material manufactured so that signals will be confined to a narrow path and will behave predictably.

wireless media

Natural parts of the Earth’s environment that can be used as physical paths to carry electrical signal