(lecture 4-8/31) Computer Networks, Protocols, and Infrastructure Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering core networking terms, hardware components, protocols, and security concepts discussed in the Computer Networks lecture.

Computer Network

A collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources.

Jellyfin Server

A local media server that allows users to store and share personal media (such as pictures and videos) across a family network without paying monthly subscription fees.

Internet

The interconnected weave of websites, applications, and clients that interact across a distributed group of servers using a common protocol.

DNS

Domain Name Services; a protocol standard that translates human-friendly web URLs into computer-readable IP addresses.

URL

Uniform Resource Locator; the explicit web address typed into the address bar of a browser to locate a resource.

IP Address

Internet Protocol address; a numerical identification address assigned to every device connected to an IP network.

MAC Address

Media Access Control address; a unique hardware address assigned to every network-capable device to identify it on a network.

VoIP

Voice over IP; a standard that transmits voice communication and phone calls using Internet Protocol rather than traditional phone lines.

NTP Server

Network Time Protocol server; a server used over IP to automatically synchronize device clocks and manage time zone and daylight savings changes.

ISP

Internet Service Provider; an organization or company (such as Frontier, Verizon, Comcast, Charter, or Xfinity) that provides access to the Internet.

Modem

Short for modulate-demodulate; a device that converts an incoming signal that a computer cannot understand into a digital signal it can understand, and vice versa.

Coax Cable

Coaxial cable; a network transmission cable featuring a solid copper core, historically used for cable television and Internet.

DSL

Digital Subscriber Line; an Internet connection method that uses copper telephone lines to transmit digital signals.

Fiber Optic

A high-speed transmission line composed of thin glass strands roughly the size of a hair that transmit data signals using light.

Wi-Fi

Wireless Fidelity; a ubiquitous wireless networking technology that uses radio frequencies to connect devices to a network.

2.4 GHz Frequency

A Wi-Fi radio frequency band that travels longer distances but penetrates solid building walls less effectively than higher frequency bands.

5.8 GHz Frequency

A Wi-Fi radio frequency band that penetrates dense building materials like concrete walls much better than $2.4\,\text{GHz}$ frequency.

Wi-Fi Pineapple

A rogue wireless device designed to mimic known Wi-Fi network SSIDs in order to trick devices into connecting to it.

Man-in-the-Middle Attack

A security compromise where an unauthorized intermediate device secretly intercepts, reads, and controls network traffic between a user and the Internet.

Intranet

A private, internal network (such as TechExpress) that is accessible only to authorized users inside a specific organization.