COMMUNICATION AND NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES

Network

A group of interconnected computers and devices that communicate with each other to share resources and data.

Advantages of a Network

Benefits such as resource sharing, centralized data management, enhanced communication, and cost efficiency.

Disadvantages of a Network

Drawbacks including security risks, potential network failures, high initial setup costs, and the need for expertise in maintenance.

Server

A device that manages network resources and provides services to client devices, such as a file server or email server.

Network Operating System (NOS)

Software that controls network resources and provides services to clients, examples include Windows Server and Linux.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Hardware that connects a computer to a network, such as an Ethernet card or Wi-Fi adapter.

Switch

A device that connects devices within a LAN and directs data to its destination, like a Cisco switch.

Router

A device that directs data between different networks, such as a home Wi-Fi router.

Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time period.

Broadband

High-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up.

Range

The distance over which a wireless signal can effectively transmit data.

Backbone

The main connection in a network that carries the most data traffic.

Wired Communication

A reliable, high-speed, and secure method of connecting devices, using cables like Ethernet.

Wireless Communication

A flexible and mobile method of connecting devices, using technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A small network typically within a range of a few meters, such as Bluetooth devices.

Home Area Network (HAN)

A network within a home connecting personal devices, like a Wi-Fi network.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network in a limited area like an office or school.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network that covers a large geographic area, such as the internet.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

A LAN that uses wireless technology, like a Wi-Fi network in a coffee shop.

Star Topology

A network layout where all devices are connected to a central hub or switch.

Internet

A global network accessible to anyone.

Intranet

A private network accessible only to an organization’s members.

Extranet

A private network accessible to certain external users with permissions.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A secure, encrypted connection over the internet that allows remote users to access a private network.

Location-Based Computing

Technology that uses geographic data to provide services or information based on a user’s location.

Client

A device that requests resources from a server.

Peer

A device that acts both as a client and a server in a network.

Client-Server Architecture

A network where multiple clients request and receive services from a central server.

Peer-to-Peer Architecture

A network where each device can act as both a client and a server.

Remote Desktop Access

Allows a user to remotely control another computer over a network.

BitTorrent

A peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol used to distribute large amounts of data over the internet.

Connecting to the Internet

The process of linking a device to the internet to access online resources and services.

Cellular

A wireless communication technology that uses cell towers to provide mobile access to voice, text, and internet services.

Hotspots

Public or private areas where Wi-Fi is available for internet access.

FTTH (Fibre to the Home)

High-speed internet access delivered via fiber optic cables directly to homes.

Mobile Device

Handheld devices with computing capabilities, such as smartphones and tablets.

Mobile Browsers

Software for accessing the web on mobile devices.

Apps

Software applications designed to perform specific tasks on mobile devices.

Microsoft Outlook App

A dedicated email app with integrated calendar, tasks, and contacts.

e-Learning

The use of electronic media and devices for education and training.

Online Storage

Storing data on the internet through cloud services.

IP (Internet Protocol)

Rules for routing and addressing packets of data across networks.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

Used to send emails.

POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3)

Downloads emails from the server to the client and deletes them from the server.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

Synchronizes email across multiple devices, leaving the email on the server.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

The foundation of data communication on the web.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

Secure version of HTTP, encrypting data between the browser and the server.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

Technology that allows voice calls using an internet