CMSC 110: Chapter 7: Networking: Connecting Computing Devices

network

a group of two or more computers (or nodes) that are configured to share information and resources such as printers, files, and databases.

node

a device connected to a network such as a computer, a peripheral (such as a printer), or a communications device (such as a modem).

network administration

Involves tasks such as
(1) installing new computers and devices
(2) monitoring the network to ensure it's performing efficiently,
(3) updating and installing new software on the network,
(4) and configuring, or setting up, proper security for a network.

data transfer rate (bandwidth)

the maximum speed at which data can be transmitted between two nodes on a network; measure in megabits per second (mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).

throughput

the actual speed of data transfer that's achieved. It's usually less than the data transfer rate.

network architecture

the design of a computer network; includes both physical and logical design.

personal area network (PAN)

a network used for communication among devices close to one person, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, using technologies such as Bluetooth.

local area network (LAN)

a network in which the nodes are located within a small geographic area.

home area network (HAN)

a network located in a home that's used to connect all of its digital devices.

metropolitan area network (MAN)

a wide area network (WAN) that links users in a specific geographical area (such as within a city or county).

wide area network (WAN)

a network made up of local area networks (LAN's) connected over long distances.

client/server network

a type of network that uses servers to deliver services to computers that are requesting them (clients)

peer-to-peer(P2P) network

a network in which each node connected to the network can communicate directly with every other node on the network

ethernet network

a network that uses the Ethernet protocol as the means (or standard) by which the nodes on the network communicate

gigabit Ethernet (GbE)

the most commonly used wired Ethernet standard deployed in devices designed for home networks; provides bandwidth for up to 1 Gbps.

Wi-Fi

the 802.11 standard for wireless data transmission established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

backward compatibility

the accommodation of current devices being able to use previously issued software standards in addition to the current standards.

transmission media

the radio waves or the physical system (cable) that transports data on a network

unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable

the most popular transmission media option for Ethernet networks. UTP cable is composed of four wires that are twisted around each other to reduce electrical interference.

twisted-pair cable

cable made of copper wires that are twisted around each other and are surrounded by a plastic jacket (such as traditional home phone wire)

coaxial cable

a single copper wire surrounded by layers of plastic insulation, metal sheathing, and a plastic jacket; used mainly in cable television and cable Internet service.

fiber-optic cable

a cable that transmits data via light waves along glass or plastic fibers

Cat 5e cable

a UTP cable commonly found in wired Ethernet networks, designed for 100 Mbps-wired Ethernet networks.

Cat 6 cable

a UTP cable that provides more than 1 Gbps of throughput

Cat 6a cable

a UTP cable that is designed for ultrafast 10GbE networks

Cat 7 cable

a UTP cable that is designed for 10GbE networks and offers greater throughput than Cat6a cable.

network adapter

a device that enables the computer (or peripheral) to communicate with the networks using a common data communication language, or protocol.

modem

a device that connects a network to the Internet.

network navigation device

a device on a network such as a router or switch that moves data signals around the network.

router

a device that routes packets of data between two or more networks

switch

a device for transmitting data on a network that makes decisions, based on the media access control address of the data, as to where the data is to be sent.

network operating system (NOS)

software that handles requests for information, Internet access, and the use of peripherals for network nodes, providing the services necessary for the computers on the network to communicate.

smart home

a dwelling in which devices ad appliances are automated or controlled by apps.

broadband

a high-speed Internet connection such as cable, satellite, or digital subscriber line (DSL)

internet service provider (ISP)

a company that specializes in providing Internet access. ISPs may be specialized providers, like Juno, or companies that provide other services in addition to Internet access (such as phone and cable television)

cable Internet

a broadband service that transmits data over coaxial cables.

DSL (digital subscriber line)

a type of connection that uses telephone lines to connect to the Internet and that allows both phone and data transmissions to share the same line.

fiber-optic service

Internet access that is enabled by transmitting data at the speed of light through glass or plastic fibers

satellite Internet

A way to connect to the Internet using a small satellite dish which is placed outside the home and is connected to a computer with coaxial cable. The satellite company then sends the data to a satellite orbiting Earth. The satellite, in turn, sends the data back to the satellite dish and to the computer