Introduction to Computer Networks

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and components from the lecture notes on computer networks.

Computer network

A system of interconnected devices (computers, routers, switches, etc.) that share resources and communicate over a transmission medium.

Protocol

A set of rules that govern data communications; determines what is communicated, how, and when; key elements are syntax, semantics, and timing.

OSI model

A reference model that standardizes network functions into seven layers to enable interoperability.

TCP/IP protocol suite

A family of internet protocols including TCP and IP used for network communication.

Addressing

Assigning unique identifiers to devices on a network so they can be located and reached.

Subnetting

Dividing a larger network into smaller subnets to improve routing and management.

VLSM

Variable Length Subnet Masking; allocating subnet masks of different lengths to optimize address use.

Topology

The arrangement of nodes and links in a network and how they are connected.

LAN

Local Area Network; a network that covers a small geographic area such as a building.

MAN

Metropolitan Area Network; a network spanning a city or campus.

WAN

Wide Area Network; a network that covers large geographical distances.

NIC

Network Interface Card; hardware that provides a device with network connectivity.

HUB

A basic network device that broadcasts data to all ports within a shared collision domain.

Switch

A network device that forwards data to the specific port of the destination, reducing collisions.

Router

A device that connects different networks and forwards packets between them.

Bridge

A device that connects segments and filters traffic at the data-link layer.

Repeater

A device that regenerates a signal to extend transmission distance.

End system

An endpoint device that originates or terminates data transfers (e.g., computer or server).

Node

Any device on a network capable of sending, receiving, or forwarding data.

Link

The transmission medium that carries data between nodes.

Point-to-point connection

A direct connection between exactly two endpoints.

Multipoint connection

A shared connection used by more than two endpoints.

Simplex

Data flows in only one direction at a time.

Half-duplex

Two-way communication where transmission occurs in both directions, but not simultaneously.

Full-duplex

Two-way communication that occurs simultaneously in both directions.

Data communications

Exchange of data between two devices via a transmission medium.

Delay

The time it takes for data to travel from source to destination.

Throughput

The rate at which useful data is transmitted over a network.

Availability

The degree to which a network component is operational and accessible.

Robustness

Resistance to failures; how well a network maintains operation under faults.

Errors

Mistakes or corruption in data transmission that must be detected or corrected.

Malicious users

Individuals attempting to compromise network security or data integrity.

Physical structure

The physical arrangement and connection type of a network (cables, wireless, topology).

Mesh topology

A topology with multiple interconnections providing multiple paths between nodes.

Star topology

A topology with a central hub or switch to which all devices connect.

Bus topology

A topology where all devices share a single communication line.

Ring topology

A topology where each device connects to two neighbors forming a loop.

Hybrid topology

A topology that combines two or more different topologies.

Internet

A global network of networks interconnected through ISPs and hierarchical structure.

ISP

Internet Service Provider; organizations that provide access to the Internet.

NAP

Network Access Point; a point where networks exchange traffic as part of ISP structure.

Autonomous System (AS)

A collection of IP networks under a single administrative domain for routing.

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)

A routing protocol between ASes used for routing decisions on the Internet.

Cisco IOS

Operating system used on Cisco routers for configuring network devices.

Static routing

A routing method where routes are manually configured by an administrator.

Default routing

A catch-all route used when no other route matches the destination.

Wireless Network

A network that uses wireless transmission to connect devices.

Wireless installation

Setting up wireless networks including placement of devices and access points.

Protocol: Syntax

The structure or format of data within a protocol; field delineation.

Protocol: Semantics

The meaning of the data fields and the actions they imply.

Protocol: Timing

When data should be sent and the speed of transmission.