Local Area Networks – Vocabulary Flashcards

These vocabulary flashcards cover key terms, hardware, cabling, security concepts and pros/cons related to Local Area Networks as presented in the lecture notes.

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A small network organised around a single individual, connecting personal devices within a few metres (e.g., smartphone to smartwatch).

HAN (Home Area Network)

A network that links computers, printers and smart devices within a household environment.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network covering a limited area—typically one building—allowing connected devices to share resources.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

A LAN that uses Wi-Fi radio waves instead of cables, offering easier installation, mobility and flexible device placement.

Internet

The worldwide public network of interconnected computer networks that uses the TCP/IP protocol suite.

Intranet

An organisation’s private, internal network that employs internet technologies but is accessible only to authorised users.

Client

A desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone that accesses network services provided by a server.

Server

A powerful computer that supplies resources or services (files, email, web pages) to clients on a network.

File Server

A server dedicated to storing and managing users’ files centrally so they can be accessed from any networked computer.

Email Server

A server that sends, receives and stores electronic mail for network users.

Proxy / Internet Server

A server that manages and monitors clients’ Internet access, often caching web content to improve speed and security.

Web Server

A server that hosts websites and delivers web pages to clients via HTTP/HTTPS.

Print Server

A server that controls and queues print jobs, allowing multiple users to share network printers.

Database Server

A server that stores and processes database queries, providing structured data to authorised clients.

NIC (Network Interface Controller)

Hardware inside a device that allows it to connect to a network via cable; may be combined with a wireless adapter.

Wireless Adapter

Built-in or add-on hardware enabling a device to connect to a WLAN using Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11g or 802.11n.

Switch

A networking device that interconnects computers within a LAN and directs data only to the intended destination device.

UTP Cable (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

Copper cabling that carries electrical signals; limited range, susceptible to interference and potential eavesdropping.

Fibre Optic Cable

Cable that transmits data as pulses of light; supports higher speeds and longer distances and is immune to electromagnetic interference.

Data Transmission Speed

The rate at which data travels over a medium, expressed in units like 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps; affected by cabling, switches and NICs.

Network Software

Software (often part of the operating system) that manages communication, resource sharing and security in a network; server editions add extra capabilities.

Network Administrator

A professional responsible for installing, managing, securing and troubleshooting the network and its resources.

Network Security

Policies and technologies that prevent unauthorised access and misuse of network resources, including authentication mechanisms.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

A document detailing what users may or may not do on a network, outlining responsibilities, restrictions and consequences for misuse.

Password Best Practices

Guidelines for strong authentication: 8+ characters, mix of upper/lowercase, numbers and symbols; unique, secret and regularly changed.

Netiquette

The set of courteous, responsible behaviours expected of users when communicating and accessing resources online or on a network.

Advantages of a LAN

Central file storage, easy file transfer, shared hardware/software, single internet link, controlled security and simplified updates.

Disadvantages of a LAN

High setup/maintenance cost, need for skilled admin, server-failure downtime, security risks, possible performance drops and interference issues.