Fundamentals of Computer Networks

A collection of flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture on computer networks.

What is a computer network?

A computer network is a set of interconnected devices and people for communication, data exchange, and resource sharing.

What are the components of a computer network?

Hosts, shared peripherals, network devices, and network medium.

What is a LAN?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network of devices connected within a small geographical area, typically within the same organization.

What is the purpose of subnetting in a network?

Subnetting divides a larger network into smaller, manageable subnetworks to improve performance and security.

What are the main functions of the OSI model?

The OSI model defines communication protocols in seven layers to standardize network communication.

What is the difference between TCP and UDP?

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a connection-oriented protocol ensuring reliable delivery, while UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is connectionless and does not guarantee delivery.

What is the function of an IP address?

An IP address identifies a device on a network and consists of a network ID and a host ID.

What is the role of a router in a network?

A router directs data packets between different networks and manages traffic using routing tables.

What is the difference between a static and dynamic IP address?

A static IP address is manually assigned and does not change, while a dynamic IP address is assigned by a DHCP server and may change over time.

What is a VLAN?

A Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) is a logical grouping of devices on different physical networks, improving management and performance.