Introduction to Networking - Chapter 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental concepts, components, and types of networks as introduced in Chapter 1.

Network

A group of computers and other devices (such as printers) that are connected by some type of transmission media.

Network Resources

The devices (for example, printers) and data (such as spreadsheet files) that multiple users can share on a network.

Network Services

The functions provided by a network, including applications and the data they provide, such as file and print services, communications, mail, and internet services.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network

A decentralized network model where every computer communicates directly with others without a central authority; each node acts as both a client and a server.

Client/Server Network

A network architecture that uses a central computer (server) to facilitate communication and resource sharing between other computers (clients).

Server

A computer on the network that manages shared resources, typically featuring more processing power, memory, and hard disk space than clients.

Client

A computer on the network that requests resources or services from another computer; the term can also refer to the human user or the software installed on the workstation.

Workstation

A personal computer, such as a desktop or laptop, which may or may not be connected to a network; most clients are workstation computers.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

The device inside a computer that connects it to the network media and allows it to communicate; also known as a network adapter.

NOS (Network Operating System)

Software running on a server that enables it to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions.

Host

A computer that enables resource sharing by other computers on the same network.

Node

A client, server, or other device that can communicate over a network and is identified by a unique network address.

Connectivity Device

A specialized device, such as a switch or router, that allows multiple networks or multiple parts of one network to connect and exchange data.

Segment

A part of a network usually composed of a group of nodes that use the same communications channel for all their traffic.

Backbone

The part of a network to which segments and significant shared devices (such as routers, switches, and servers) connect.

Topology

The physical layout of a computer network, which can be arranged in formations such as star, ring, bus, or hybrid patterns.

Protocol

A standard method or format for communication between networked devices, such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, or Telnet.

Packet

A distinct unit of data exchanged between nodes on a network, created by breaking down large streams of data for efficient delivery.

Addressing

The scheme for assigning a unique identifying number to every node on the network.

Transmission Media

The means through which data are transmitted and received, which can be physical (wire/cable) or atmospheric (radio waves).

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network of computers and devices confined to a relatively small space, such as one building or even one office.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A network that extends beyond the boundaries of a building to span a city or a large campus.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network that connects two or more geographically distinct LANs or MANs over long distances, such as across town or across the world.