CS/ECE 356 - Computer Network Architecture: Module 1 - Foundation

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering foundational concepts in computer network architecture focusing on protocols, applications, and performance measurements.

Network application

Software that enables users to send messages over a network.

Application protocol

Rules describing application message types, formats, and sequences.

Network protocol

Rules describing network message types, formats, and sequences.

Encapsulation

The process of containing high-level messages within low-level messages.

Interoperability

The ability of different systems to work together.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

The address used to access resources on the web.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

Protocol for transferring data via the web.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

Markup language for creating web pages.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

Protocol for transferring files to/from a remote computer.

SSH (Secure Shell)

Protocol for securely logging into remote computers.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

Protocol that enables reliable byte stream communication.

Internet Protocol (IP)

Protocol that handles addressing and routing data across networks.

Node

A device connected to a network.

Host

A computer that communicates on a network.

Forwards frames

What a switch does with packets received on one port while sending them out another.

Router

Device that forwards packets between different networks.

Link

The physical medium used to connect two or more nodes in a network.

Packet switched network

Network where data is broken into packets and routed independently.

Circuit switched network

Network that establishes a dedicated circuit for communication between two nodes.

Multiplexing

Technique that allows multiple signals to share the same communication channel.

Statistical multiplexing

Dynamic sharing of a link based on demand.

Unicast

Sending a message to a single recipient.

Broadcast

Sending a message to all possible recipients in a network.

Multicast

Sending a message to a specific group of recipients.

Latency

Time taken for a message to travel from the sender to the receiver.

Throughput

Amount of data transmitted successfully in a given time frame.

One-way latency

Time taken to send a message from sender to receiver.

Round Trip Time (RTT)

Time taken for a message to travel to the destination and back.

Bandwidth

The maximum data rate of a network path.

Jitter

Variance in latency that can affect the quality of a connection.

Performance metrics

Measurements used to evaluate the efficiency and quality of network performance.

OSI Model

Conceptual framework for understanding and designing network systems.

TCP/IP Model

Practical model used for Internet protocols and communications.

Socket API

Application programming interface for connecting applications over a network.

Service

A network function provided to applications by the operating system.

Application layer

Layer in network architecture responsible for process-to-process communication.

Access network

The network that physically connects an end system to the first router on the path to any other distant end system.

Guided media

Physical media where signals are contained within solid cables, such as twisted-pair, coaxial, or fiber-optic cables.

Unguided media

Media where signals are broadcast through the air or space, such as wireless radio or satellite links.

Fiber-optic cable

A guided medium that carries signals as pulses of light on thin glass fibers, known for high speeds and low attenuation.

Client-server architecture

A network model where a central server provides services to multiple client hosts that request them.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture

A decentralized model where pairs of hosts (peers) communicate directly and share resources without a central server.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

An organization that provides the necessary infrastructure and services for users to connect to the Internet.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

An access network technology that uses existing copper telephone lines to provide high-speed digital data transmission.

Cable Internet access

An access network technology that utilizes the existing coaxial cable television infrastructure to provide Internet connectivity.