Chapter 9: Networks and Network Devices: Communicating and Connecting CIT 100 - Computer Literacy Fall 2025

network

a system of two or more devices linked by wires, cables, or a telecommunications system.

digital communications

The process in which two or more computers or devices transfer data, instructions, and information

LTE (Long Term Evolution)

a network standard that defines how high-speed cellular
transmissions use broadcast radio to transmit data for mobile communications.

GPS (global positioning system)

A navigation system that consists of one or more earth-based receivers that accept and analyze signals sent by satellites in order to determine the receiver’s geographic location.

topology

the method by which computers and devices are physically arranged on a network

network architecture

the local design of all devices on a network

client

computer or mobile device on the network that relies on
the server for its resources.

peer-to-peer (P2P) network

a network architecture that connects a small number of computers, fewer than 10.

Internet peer-to-peer (Internet P2P) network

a type of P2P network where users share files over the Internet.

local area network (LAN)

connects computers and devices in a limited area.

wireless LAN (WLAN)

a LAN that uses wireless connections.

wide area network (WAN)

a network that connects devices in a large geographic region.

metropolitan area network (MAN)

a type of wide-area network that is operated by a city or county

personal area network (PAN)

connects personal digital devices connected via Bluetooth like a smartwatch (within a range of approximately 30 feet)

body area network (BAN)

a form of personal area network that consists of small, lightweight biosensors implanted in the body.

protocol

a standard that outlines the characteristics of how devices communicate on a network.

Ethernet

The most common standard for wired networks

EDI (electronic data interchange)

defines how business documents travel across transmission media.

Bluetooth

a network protocol that defines how two Bluetooth devices use short-range radio waves to transmit data.

UWB (ultra-wideband)

a network standard that specifies how two UWB devices
use short-range radio waves to communicate at high speeds with each other.

transponder

consists of an antenna and a memory chip that contains the information to be transmitted via radio waves.

NFC (near-field communications)

a protocol based on RFID

Routers

connect two or more networks and direct, or route, the flow of
information along the networks.

cable modem

uses a cable TV connection.

DSL modem

uses standard copper telephone wiring.

dedicated line

a type of always-on physical connection that is established between two communications devices.

Multiplexing

a process that combines multiple analog or digital signals
into a single signal over a shared medium, such as a cable.

USENIX

a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1975 to support
network and system engineers and operators in innovation and research.