Communicating Over the Network

Vocabulary practice cards covering computer network types, data communications concepts, and physical network topologies based on the lecture slides.

Data Communications

The transmission of digital facts between two or more computers.

Statistics Network (PC Network)

A telecommunications community that approves computers to exchange data.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network confined to a single constructing like an authentic establishment that covers a described area and enables aid sharing inclusive of file servers, printers, and statistics storage.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A network consisting of configured computer systems protecting a town, metropolis, or campus; also known as a Campus Area Network (CAN) or Campus Network.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network covering a larger geographical area than a MAN that connects a united states or continents using cables, optical fibers, or satellites.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Interconnected technological know-how gadgets serving a single individual inside one facility within a distance of 10 meters.

Home Area Network (HAN)

A type of IP-based LAN confined to a defined boundary like a house or home office that provides a broadband connection via a wired or wireless modem.

Network Topology

The arrangement or physical layout of computers, cables, and other components on the network, defining the basic design of a network.

Bus Topology

A linear network topology where all devices are connected by a single cable and transmit statistics only in one direction.

Signal Bounce

The uninterrupted travel of an electronic signal bouncing back and forth along a cable from one end to the other, which prevents other computers from sending signals.

Terminator

A component placed at each end of a cable segment in a bus topology to absorb free signals and prevent signal bounce.

Ring Topology

A network layout where a frame travels around a ring stopping at each node, passing data using a circulating token.

Token

A special series of bits that travels around a token-ring network from computer to computer to allow data transmission.

Dual Ring Topology

A ring topology configuration that allows data to be sent in both directions using two links connected to the same networking devices.

Star Topology

The most commonly used Ethernet LAN architecture where each network device connects directly to a central device such as a hub or switch.

Tree Topology

An extended star topology used for larger networks that filters frames or packets using devices like bridges, switches, and routers to reduce wire traffic.

Mesh Topology

A network architecture where each node is interconnected with one or more other nodes to enable data transmission through multiple paths for redundancy and fault tolerance.

Hybrid Topology

A network topology created by combining two or more different network types, such as Star, Ring, Bus, or Mesh.