Computer Networking and Systems Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering core networking concepts, devices, protocols, and system reliability principles.

Computing Device

A hardware component that can perform computations and process data (e.g., desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones).

Computing System

A combination of hardware and software designed to perform specific tasks, typically including a computing device, an operating system, and applications.

Computing Network

A group of interconnected computing devices that can share resources and communicate with each other, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and the Internet.

Path

The route that data takes through a network from one device to another, influencing data transmission speed and efficiency.

Bandwidth

The maximum rate of data transfer across a network connection, typically measured in bits per second (bps). Higher bandwidth allows for faster data transmission.

Protocol

A set of rules and conventions for data communication between devices on a network (e.g., HTTP, FTP, TCP/IP).

IP Address

A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network, used for identification and location addressing. Formats include IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and IPv6 (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).

Internet Protocol (IP)

A protocol that governs how data is sent and received over the Internet, determining the address and routing of data packets.

Router

A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks, directing traffic on the Internet and connecting different networks.

Redundancy

The inclusion of extra components or systems (such as duplicate servers or network paths) to increase reliability and availability in case of failure.

Fault Tolerant

The ability of a system to continue operating properly in the event of a failure of some of its components, which is essential for critical systems where uptime is crucial.