Computer Networking Fundamentals

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of computer networks, types of networks (PAN, LAN, WAN), topologies, protocols, security methods, and the four-layer TCP/IP model.

Computer network

A group of connected devices, such as computers, printers, and smartphones, that share data and resources like files or internet access.

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A network covering a very small geographical area, such as around a single person or desk, typically connecting personal devices like smartphones and headphones via Bluetooth.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network covering a relatively small geographical area like a school, home, or office, which is often owned and managed by a single person or organisation.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network covering a wide geographical area, such as the internet, usually made up of several LANs connected together and often under collective ownership.

Wired network

A network where devices are connected using physical cables, generally offering faster speeds and higher security than wireless options.

Wireless network

A network where devices connect using radio signals, offering more convenience and mobility for users.

Copper cables

Wired network cables that are cheaper than fibre, transmit data over short distances, are susceptible to interference, and are slower than fibre cables.

Fibre cables

Expensive network cables that use light to transmit data, providing high speeds, less susceptibility to interference, and the ability to transmit over long distances.

Topology

The specific way that devices are connected within a network.

Star topology

A layout where each client has its own direct connection to a central hub or switch, which handles the delivery of data packets.

Hub

A device in a star network that sends received data packets to all connected devices.

Switch

A device in a star network that sends data packets only to the intended recipient device.

Bus topology

A network layout where all clients are connected to a single shared cable called a backbone.

Backbone

The single central cable used for communication in a bus topology.

Terminator

A device placed at either end of the backbone in a bus topology.

Network protocol

A set of rules that allows devices to communicate with each other.

Ethernet

A common protocol for connecting devices in a LAN using wired connections over physical cables.

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)

A wireless technology using radio waves to allow devices to connect to a LAN and access the internet without cables.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

A protocol that ensures data arrives completely and in the correct order by breaking data into packets and checking for successful receipt.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

A fast, lightweight, connectionless protocol that sends data packets without checking if they arrive correctly or establishing a prior connection.

IP (Internet Protocol)

A protocol responsible for addressing and routing data packets across networks to ensure they find the correct destination computer.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

The protocol used for transferring web pages and content between web servers and browsers.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

A secure version of HTTP that encrypts data transferred between web browsers and servers to protect sensitive information.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

A protocol used to upload or download files between computers and remote servers over a network.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

A protocol used for handling the delivery of outgoing emails from one email server to another.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

A protocol that allows users to access, manage, and synchronise emails stored on a remote email server across multiple devices.

Authentication

The process of verifying the identity of a user or device before allowing access, often using passwords or two-factor authentication ($2FA$).

Encryption

A method of converting data into a coded format so that it can only be understood by authorised users with the correct decryption key.

Firewall

A network security device that monitors traffic and blocks or allows data based on a set of security rules.

MAC (Media Access Control) address

A unique address built into every device's physical network adaptor.

MAC address filtering

A security method that uses unique device addresses to only permit an allow list of specific devices to access the network.

TCP/IP model

A four-layer model used to transmit data over a network, consisting of the Application, Transport, Internet, and Link layers.

Application layer

The first layer of the TCP/IP model where network applications like web browsers and email programs operate.

Transport layer

The second layer of the TCP/IP model that sets up communication between hosts and agrees on settings like packet size.

Internet layer

The third layer of the TCP/IP model which addresses, packages, and routes data packets across the network.

Link layer

The fourth layer of the TCP/IP model where network hardware like the NIC (network interface card) and OS device drivers are located.