Networking Concepts – Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts from the lecture on computer networking, including advantages, components, network types, architectures, topologies, and security.

Computer Network

A group of computers and peripheral devices linked together to share data and hardware resources.

Node

Any individual computer or device connected to a network.

Networking (computing)

The practice of interconnecting computers/devices so they can communicate and share resources.

Efficient Use of Storage Media

Advantage of networking in which shared server storage replaces many separate local copies.

Preserving Information

Centralized backups on a network that make data recovery easier than on stand-alone PCs.

Reduction in Hardware Costs

Sharing seldom-used devices (printers, scanners, etc.) over a network to avoid buying one for every PC.

Increased Efficiency

Single-point updates of software/data on a network that streamline maintenance tasks.

Reduces Redundancy

Eliminates excessive paper copies by allowing electronic file sharing over the network.

Quickest Document Delivery

Ability of networks to transmit digital documents instantly between computers worldwide.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Hardware card that physically connects a computer to a network.

Ethernet

Common LAN technology using NICs and twisted-pair or fiber cabling for data transfer.

Twisted-Pair Networking Cable

Eight-wire Ethernet cable used to carry data signals in modern LANs.

RJ-45 Connector

8-pin modular plug crimped onto Ethernet cables for network connections.

Modem

Device that converts digital computer signals to analog (and back) for transmission over phone lines.

Hub

Basic central connection device that broadcasts incoming data to every port on the network.

Switch

Central device that sends data only to the intended destination port, improving LAN efficiency.

Wireless Network Card

NIC that uses radio waves instead of cables to connect a computer to a network.

Access Point (AP)

Wireless device with an antenna that links Wi-Fi clients to each other and/or a wired LAN.

Router

Device that forwards data between different networks and often provides Wi-Fi capability.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Small network (≤10 m) created around one person’s devices such as phones, laptops, and PDAs.

Local Area Network (LAN)

High-speed network covering a small area like a room, building, or campus.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Network spanning a city—for example, a citywide cable-TV or bank branch system.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Network that connects computers over long distances via telecom or satellite links; e.g., the Internet.

Intranet

Private network within an organization that uses standard Internet protocols.

Extranet

Extension of an intranet that gives controlled access to external users via the Internet.

Bluetooth

Short-range wireless technology for connecting devices like phones, headsets, and computers.

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)

Set of IEEE 802.11 standards for wireless local area networking.

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

Hardware that connects wireless devices together to form or extend a WLAN.

Client-Server Network

Architecture where multiple client computers request resources from a centralized server.

Server

Computer that offers services and controls access to shared hardware, software, and data.

Client

Computer that requests services or resources from a server in a network.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network

Architecture where each computer can act as both client and server with equal privileges.

Network Topology

Physical or logical arrangement of nodes and links in a computer network.

Point-to-Point Topology

Simple topology connecting exactly two nodes directly for fast, reliable communication.

Bus Topology

All nodes share one backbone cable; failure of the backbone disables the entire network.

Star Topology

Each node connects to a central hub/switch; hub failure brings down the network.

Ring Topology

Nodes form a closed loop; data passes through each node; one failure can disrupt the ring.

Tree Topology

Hierarchical mix of star networks attached to a main bus backbone.

Mesh Topology

Every node connects to all others, providing multiple paths and high reliability at high cost.

Shared Drive

Network storage location that multiple users can access for file sharing.

Network Security

Protection of data and resources from unauthorized access or alteration.

Login Security

First security level that requires a unique username and password to access the network.

Rights Security

Assignment of permissions (read-only, read-write, no access) to users based on their identity.