Module 09 Networks and Network Devices

peer-to-peer

A network architecture in which a small number of computers (often fewer than 10) communicate directly with one another and can share each other’s resources.

file sharing network

P2P network configuration on which users access each other’s hard drives and exchange files directly via a file sharing program.

Electronic funds transfer

Service in which users connected to a network can exchange money from one account to another via transmission media.

intranet

An internal network that uses Internet technologies.

extranet

Allows outsiders (such as customers, vendors, and suppliers) to access an organization’s intranet.

wired network

Sends signals and data through cables to connect to other network devices; tend to be more secure and transmit data faster than wireless networks.

wireless network

Sends signals through airwaves, and usually do not require cables; tend to be more convenient and easier to set up than wired networks, but can be less secure.

LTE

A network standard that defines how high-speed cellular transmissions use broadcast radio to transmit data for mobile communications.

upstream rate

The transfer rate that is achieved when data is being sent on a communications channel.

GPS

A navigation system that consists of one or more earth-based receivers that accept and analyze signals sent by satellites in order to determine the receiver’s geographic location.

Communications software

Apps that provide tools for sharing or receiving information.

topology

The method by which computers and devices are physically arranged on a network.

network architecture

The logical design of all devices on a network.

client/server network

Network architecture in which one or more computers act as a server, and the other computers on the network request resources from the server.

client

A computer or mobile device on the network that relies on the server for its resources.

Internet peer-to-peer (Internet P2P) network

A type of P2P network where users share files with each other over the Internet.

local area network

A type of network installed to link multiple PCs together so they can share hardware and software resources.

wireless LAN

A LAN that uses no physical wires.

wide area network

Network that connects devices in a large geographic region, such as a multinational company or national retail chain.

metropolitan area network

A type of wide area network (WAN) that is operated by a city or county.

personal area network

Network that connects personal digital devices within a range of approximately 30 feet, such as a smartwatch that connects to the user’s cell phone.

body area network

A form of personal area network that consists of small, lightweight biosensors implanted in the body.

data plan

Specifies that amount of data a user’s provider offers per month.

Ethernet

The most common network standard for wired networks.

EDI

Standard that defines how business documents transmit across transmission media.

802.11

A series of network standards that specifies how two wireless devices communication over the air with each other.

Bluetooth

A wireless short-range radio connection that simplifies communications among Internet devices and between devices and the Internet.

UWB

A network standard that specifies how two UWB devices use short-range radio waves to communicate at high speeds with each other.

IrDA

Standard for devices to transmit data wirelessly to each other via infrared (IR) light waves.

digital modem

A communications device that sends and receives data and information to and from a digital line. Also called a broadband modem.

cable modem

Device that sends and receives digital data over a cable TV connection.

DSL modem

A device that uses existing standard copper telephone wiring to send and receive digital data.

dedicated line

A type of always-on physical connection that is established between two communications devices.

Multiplexing

Process that combines multiple analog or digital signals into a single signal over a shared medium, such as a cable.

booster

An amplifier used to improve reception and extend the range for a wireless router or wireless access point. Also called a repeater.

repeaters

An amplifier used to improve reception and extend the range for the user’s wireless router or wireless access point. Also called a booster.

wireless network key

A series of numbers and/or letters sometimes also referred to as a network security key, to encrypt data sent between devices.

packet sniffer

Software that monitors and logs packet traffic for later analysis.

IP hijacking

Internet security threat that occurs when cyberthieves tap into home routers or cable modems or other Internet access points to intercept a paid Internet service.

Bluebugging

When cyberthieves exploit Bluetooth devices that have been paired.

value-added network

A third-party business that provides networking services, such as EDI services, secure data and information transfer, storage, or email programs.