Network Hardware and Internet Fundamentals

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary regarding input devices, network hardware components (NIC, Router), addressing systems (MAC and IP), and basic internet protocols based on the lecture transcript.

Barcode reader

A device that reads labels containing parallel dark and light lines using laser light or LEDs, where the width of each line represents a binary code; used for applications like automatic stock control.

Microphone

A device that allows audio signals to be converted into electric signals, which are then converted into digital form to be interpreted by a computer; used for voice recognition.

pH sensor

A device that detects changes in acidity levels, often providing data in analogue form; used to monitor soil in a greenhouse.

Scanner

A device that copies paper documents and converts the text and pictures into a computer-readable form; used for applications like reading passports.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

The hardware component within a computer used to connect it to a network; it can be wired or wireless.

Router

A network device that examines a data packet for its address and sends it to a specific destination; it can also assign IP addresses and connect a local network to the internet.

Transmission media

The cables that are used to transfer data within a network.

Media Access Control (MAC) address

A unique hardware identification number provided by the manufacturer at the point of manufacture that identifies a device on a network and cannot be altered.

MAC address structure

A hexadecimal code consisting of 6 pairs of digits containing the manufacturer’s ID and the serial ID code for the device.

Internet Protocol (IP) address

A unique address allocated by the network or ISP that identifies the location of a device on a network or the internet.

Static IP address

A type of IP address that stays the same for a device every time it sends data on the internet; often provided by an ISP for local web servers.

Dynamic IP address

A type of IP address that is not permanent and can be different each time the device connects to the internet or sends data.

IPv4

An Internet Protocol address version created in 1983 that uses $32$ bits.

IPv6

An Internet Protocol address version that uses $128$ bits.

Data packet

A unit of data that is transmitted across a network and is sent and received by the router.

Browser

A software application used to locate, retrieve, and display content on the World Wide Web, such as webpages, videos, and other files.

Interrupt

A signal sent to a processor which may cause a break in the execution of the current routine, according to priorities.

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language; an authoring language used to create documents on the World Wide Web using tags and attributes.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

A company that provides individuals access to the internet and other services such as web hosting and emails.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

The main protocol that governs the transmission of data using the internet.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

The website address that is typed into the address bar.