Basic Introduction to Computer Networks

Vocabulary flashcards covering key networking concepts, terms, architectures, and technologies from the lecture notes.

Computer network

A collection of computer equipment connected to communicate with each other to share resources (files, printers); requires services and protocols to regulate resource distribution and communications.

Protocol

Rules that regulate communications and services in a network.

Service

Components that regulate the distribution of resources on a network.

DARPA

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, sponsor of early network development (1969).

ARPANET

Early network funded by ARPA; precursor to the Internet (started 1970).

Usenet

Distributed discussion system established in 1970.

IRC

Internet Relay Chat, an early real-time chat system (1988).

Sharing Equipment and Resources

Benefit of networks: allows multiple users to access shared devices and resources.

Data Integration

Benefit of networks: combines data from multiple sources for unified access.

Communication

Benefit of networks: facilitates messaging and information exchange.

Distributed Processing

Benefit of networks: spreads computational tasks across multiple networked computers.

Regularity of Information Flow

Benefit of networks: ensures consistent and predictable information transfer.

Data Security

Benefit of networks: protects data from unauthorized access and breaches.

Connectivity of Various Types and Brands of Computers

Benefit of networks: interoperability among different devices and platforms.

LAN (Local Area Network)

Network within a building or campus; typically uses Ethernet or Wireless LAN.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Network that covers a city; often uses cable TV infrastructure.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Network that spans large geographical areas (countries/continents).

Internetwork/Internet

Collection of networks (LANs/WANs) interconnected to form the Internet.

Topology: Bus

Network arrangement where devices share a single communication line.

Topology: Star

Network arrangement with devices connected to a central hub or switch.

Topology: Ring

Network arrangement with devices connected in a closed loop.

Protocol: Ethernet

LAN protocol commonly using CSMA/CD for media access.

Protocol: Token Ring

LAN protocol where a token grants access to the network medium.

Architecture: Client/Server

Network model where clients request services from centralized servers with managed resources.

Architecture: Peer-to-Peer

Network model where each computer can act as both client and server without centralized servers.

Architecture: Hybrid

Combination of client/server and peer-to-peer advantages.

Host

Processing devices on a network (PCs, printers, phones, etc.).

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Hardware that connects a device to the network.

Transmission Media (wired)

Physical media for data transmission: twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic.

Transmission Media (wireless)

Wireless media: antennas, microwave, infrared, Bluetooth, etc.

Repeaters, Hubs, Bridges, Switches, Routers, Gateways

Network devices that extend, connect, and manage networks.

Protocol Architecture

Software organization of data communication into layers with interfaces and rules; includes OSI and TCP/IP models.

OSI Model

Open Systems Interconnection reference model; conceptual seven-layer framework.

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; dominant protocol suite used on the Internet.

Network Operating System (NOS)

Software that enables network resource management, services, and security across multiple devices.

UNIX

Multiuser, multitasking operating system created at Bell Labs; supports servers and internet services; trademark held by Open Group.

Linux

Free, Unix-like operating system; server and client capabilities with TCP/IP services (Apache, Samba, Sendmail, BIND).

Novell NetWare

LAN operating system focused on file/print sharing; featured NetWare Core Protocol (efficient data sharing).

OS/2

32-bit OS originally by IBM/Microsoft; emphasis on multitasking; end-of-life around 2006; IBM shifted to Linux/Windows.

Windows NT

Microsoft’s OS family; includes Windows NT 3.51, Windows 2000/2003 generations; server and workstation editions.

Internet (definition)

Collection of different networks (LANs/WANs) interconnected to form a global network.