The Internet Vocab

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can be sent in a fixed amount of time, usually measured in bits per second.

Computing Device

A machine that can run a program, including computers, tablets, servers, routers, and smart sensors.

Computing Network

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

Computing System

A group of computing devices and programs working together for a common purpose.

Path

The series of connections between computing devices on a network starting with a sender and ending with a receiver.

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.

Protocol

An agreed-upon set of rules that specify the behavior of some system.

Domain Name System (DNS)

The system responsible for translating domain names like example.com into IP addresses.

Fault Tolerant

Can continue to function even in the event of individual component failures.

Redundancy

The inclusion of extra components so that a system can continue to work even if individual components fail.

Router

A type of computer that forwards data across a network.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

A communications standard that enables application programs and computing devices to exchange messages over a network.

Packet

A chunk of data sent over a network.

HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

The protocol used for transmitting web pages over the Internet.

World Wide Web

A system of linked pages, programs, and files.