CS Communication terms

MAC address

unique identification number used by the network to identify your device.

IP address

a unique number linked to your online activity. Gives access to the Internet

Internet Service provider

a company that provides internet access for homes and businesses.

Web browser

a software application that lets people access the World Wide Web.

Standalone Computer

a computer that is not connected to a network.

ARPA net

an experimental computer network that was the Internet's forerunner.

A Network

two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications

Private Network

a discrete, customized cellular network that is not connected to the public cellular network (e.g. Universities, Companies, etc.)

Public Network

any network that is open and accessible to the general public (e.g. coffee shops, airports, etc.)

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A small network for connecting personal devices like smartphones, laptops, or tablets, usually within a range of a few meters. Bluetooth is commonly used for PANs.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network that connects devices within a limited geographic area, such as a home, school, or office building. It allows devices to communicate and share resources like printers and files.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A network that spans a larger area than a LAN, typically covering a city or a large campus. It connects multiple LANs within the area, often using high-speed connections.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network that covers a broad area, such as multiple cities, countries, or even continents. The Internet is the most well-known example of a WAN, connecting networks worldwide.

Client

A device or software that requests services or resources from a server on a network. For example, a web browser is a client that requests data from a web server.

Node

Any device connected to a network, such as a computer, printer, or router. Each node can communicate with other nodes within the network.

Server

A computer or software that provides services, data, or resources to clients over a network. Servers host websites, store files, and manage network traffic, among other functions.