Networks & the Internet

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to networks and the Internet, including definitions and protocols.

Computing Network

A group of interconnected computing devices capable of sending or receiving data.

Path

The series of connections between computing devices.

Openness

Share all the technical details so everyone can participate.

Reliability

Consistently deliver services with minimal disruption.

Scalability

The system must be able to change in size to meet new demands.

Protocol

An agreed-upon set of rules for communication.

Internet Protocol (IP)

A protocol for sending data across the Internet that assigns unique numbers (IP addresses) to each connected device.

IP Address

The unique number assigned to each device on the Internet, creating 4.3 billion combinations.

Dynamic IPs

IP addresses that do not stay constant as devices join and leave the Internet.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

A protocol that automates the assignment of IP addresses on a network.

Packet

A chunk of data sent over a network, which may arrive in order, out-of-order, or not at all.

Router

A type of computer that forwards data across a network.

Packet Metadata

Data added to packets to help route them through the network and reassemble the original message.

Redundancy

Having extra components so a system can continue to work even if individual components fail.

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

A protocol for sending packets quickly that does not check for errors.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

A protocol for sending packets that checks for errors to ensure all packets are received and ordered.

World Wide Web

A system of linked pages, programs, and files, distinct from the Internet.

Domain Name System (DNS)

The system responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

A protocol for computers to request and share the pages that make up the World Wide Web.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

The universal language in which World Wide Web files are written.

Layers of the Internet

HTTP, DNS, TCP/UDP, IP, DHCP - representing different levels of abstraction.