CompTIA Network+ Module 1: Introduction to Networking

Vocabulary flashcards covering network models, hardware, the OSI model, safety procedures, and the troubleshooting process from CompTIA Network+ Module 1.

Physical topology

Refers to a network's hardware and how computers, other devices, and cables work together to form the physical network.

Logical topology

Refers to how software controls access to network resources, including how users and software initially gain access to the network.

Network operating system (NOS)

Software that controls access to the entire network and is required by client-server models.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) network model

A network model where the OS of each computer on the network is responsible for controlling access to its resources with no centralized control.

Nodes

The individual computers or hosts that form a logical group in a peer-to-peer network.

Windows domain

A logical group of computers that a Windows Server can control.

Active Directory (AD)

The centralized directory database that contains user account information and security for an entire group of computers.

Client

A computer making a request for data or services from another computer (the server).

Network services

The resources a network makes available to its users, including applications and the data they provide.

Protocols

Methods and rules for communication between networked devices.

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

The protocol used to send email to a recipient’s email server.

POP3 and IMAP4

Protocols used by a client to receive email from a server.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network that is usually contained in a small space.

Switch

A device that receives incoming data from one of its ports and redirects it to another port or multiple ports to reach the intended destination.

Star topology

A physical topology where all devices connect to one central device, usually a switch.

Network interface card (NIC)

A network port or network adapter used to attach a device to a network.

Backbone

A central conduit that connects the segments or pieces of a network.

Router

A device that manages traffic between two or more networks and finds the best path for traffic to reach its destination.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A group of LANs that spread over a wide geographical area.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A group of connected LANs in the same geographical area; also known as a campus area network (CAN).

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A terminal network of personal devices, such as a smartphone and a computer.

Layer 7: Application Layer

The layer describing the interface between two applications on separate computers; uses protocols like HTTP or SNMP.

Payload

The data that is passed between applications or utility programs and the OS.

Layer 6: Presentation Layer

The layer responsible for reformatting, compressing, and/or encrypting data so the receiving application can read it.

Layer 5: Session Layer

The layer describing how data between applications is synchronized and recovered if messages do not arrive intact.

API (application programming interface) call

The method an application uses when it makes a request of the OS.

Layer 4: Transport Layer

The layer responsible for transporting Application layer payloads from one application to another using TCP or UDP.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

A connection-oriented protocol that establishes a connection with the host and checks if data was received.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

A connectionless protocol that does not guarantee delivery by checking if data is received.

Encapsulation

The process of adding a header to the data inherited from the layer above.

Port

A number in the Transport layer header used to address the receiving application.

Segments

Small messages created when TCP divides a large message at the Transport layer.

Layer 3: Network Layer

The layer responsible for moving messages from one node to another until they reach the destination host; primarily uses IP.

Packet

The entire Network layer message which includes the IP header.

Layer 2: Data Link Layer

The layer responsible for interfacing with physical hardware; it adds a header and a trailer to create a frame.

MAC (Media Access Control) address

A physical address embedded on every network adapter; also called a hardware address or data link layer address.

Protocol Data Unit (PDU)

The technical name for a group of bits as it moves from one layer to the next and from one LAN to the next.

Fail open

A security system behavior that allows access during a system failure.

Fail close

A security system behavior that denies access during a system failure.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A document explaining how to properly handle, store, and dispose of chemical substances like solvents.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD)

The release of static electricity which can cause catastrophic or upset failure in electronic components.

Catastrophic failure

A type of ESD damage where a component is destroyed beyond use.

Upset failure

A type of ESD damage that shortens the life of a component without immediately destroying it.

Troubleshooting Step 1

Identify the problem and its symptoms.

Troubleshooting Step 7

Document findings, actions, and outcomes.