Computing Device
a machine that can run a program, including computers, tablets, servers, routers, and smart sensors
Computing System
a group of computing devices and programs working together for a common purpose
Computing Network:
a group of interconnected computing devices capable of sending or receiving data.
Path
the series of connections between computing devices on a network starting with a sender and ending with a receiver.
Bandwidth
the maximum amount of data that can be sent in a fixed amount of time, usually measured in bits per second.
Protocol
An agreed-upon set of rules that specify the behavior of some system
IP Address
The unique number assigned to each device on the Internet.
Internet Protocol (IP
a protocol for sending data across the Internet that assigns unique numbers (IP addresses) to each connected device
Router
A type of computer that forwards data across a network
Redundancy
the inclusion of extra components so that a system can continue to work even if individual components fail, for example by having more than one path between any two connected devices in a network.
Fault Tolerant
Can continue to function even in the event of individual component failures. This is important because elements of complex systems like a computer network fail at unexpected times, often in groups.
HTTP
HyperText Transfer Protocol - the protocol used for transmitting web pages over the Internet
Internet
a computer network consisting of interconnected networks that use standardized, open (nonproprietary) communication protocols.
Packet
A chunk of data sent over a network. Larger messages are divided into packets that may arrive at the destination in order, out-of-order, or not at all.
Packet Metadata
Data added to packets to help route them through the network and reassemble the original message.
Routing
the process of finding a path from sender to receiver.
TCP
A protocol used on the internet for with rules that provide accuracy of the information sent. Packets are numbered so they can be re-ordered. There are multiple back and forth confirmations between sender and receiver.
UDP
A protocol used on the internet for fast transmission of information but with minimal error checking
World Wide Web
a system of linked pages, programs, and files.
Certificate authority
issue digital certificates that validate the ownership of encryption keys used in secure communications and are based on a trust model
Digital Divide
differing access to computing devices and the Internet, based on socioeconomic, geographic, or demographic characteristics