ICT Fundamentals: Introduction to Networks

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of computer networks, their purposes, and the key components of a data communication system.

Computer Network

A collection of two or more computers linked together to share resources like printers and folders, exchange files, and interact in a secure physical or wireless manner.

Internet

The network of networks; it is the global network of linked computer networks.

Packets

The small parts into which data sent over a computer network is broken.

Message

The core of the data communication system that represents the data or piece of information that needs to be communicated, which can be in any form such as text, image, or audio.

Sender

The device that sends the message in a communication system, such as a computer, mobile phone, or tablet.

Receiver

The destination device where the sent message has arrived, such as a computer, mobile phone, or tablet.

Transmission Medium

The path that acts as a bridge between sender and receiver by which the message is transmitted; it can be guided (wired) like cables or unguided (wireless) like radio waves or microwaves.

Protocols (Set of Rules)

The set of rules that govern communication between devices, set and designed by the designers of the communication system to represent an agreement between communicating devices.