Deck 1 - Network Fundamentals

What is a Network?

A system of interconnected computers and other devices that communicate and share resources and information.

Main purpose of a network

To share resources such as data, devices, and applications.

How networks are categorized

By their size and structure.

What is a Host?

Any device or system on a network that uses, provides, or shares resources and services; generally any device with an IP address (e.g. computers, servers, network-enabled devices).

What is a Server?

A computer or system that provides resources, data, services, or programs to other computers, known as clients, over a network.

What is a Workstation?

A high-performance computer designed for technical or scientific applications, often used by one person at a time.

What is a Client machine?

A computer or device that accesses services, applications, or resources provided by a server over a network.

What are Network Devices?

Hardware that allows servers, workstations, and client computers to connect and share resources, such as routers, switches, access points (APs), and firewalls.

What is a LAN?

Local Area Network: A network covering a small geographic area like a home, office, or building; typically used for sharing resources such as files and printers.

What is a WAN?

Wide Area Network: A network that spans a large geographic area, often a country or continent; the internet is the largest example of a WAN.

What is a MAN?

Metropolitan Area Network: A network that covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city.

What is a CAN?

Campus Area Network: A network that interconnects multiple LANs within a limited geographical area, such as a university campus, corporate campus, or large industrial complex.

What is a SAN?

Storage Area Network: A high-speed network that provides access to consolidated data storage, making storage devices (disk arrays, tape libraries, optical jukeboxes) appear to servers as locally attached devices.

What is a PAN?

Personal Area Network: A network covering a very small area, usually within a single room; examples include Bluetooth connections between a phone and a headset.