Chapter 1 MC

computer network

It is defined as the interconnection of two or more computers. It is done to enable the computers to communicate and share available resources.

Hardware

A network allows users to share many hardware devices such as printers , modems, fax machines, CD ROM, players, etc.

Software

Sharing software resources reduces the cost of software installation, saves space on hard disk.

Switches

It work as a controller which connects computers, printers, and other hardware devices to a network in a campus or a building. It allows devices on your network to communicate with each other, as well as with other networks. It helps you to share resources and reduce the costing of any organization.

Routers

It help you to connect with multiple networks. It enables you to share a single internet connection with multiple devices and saves money. This networking component acts as a dispatcher, which allows you to analyze data sent across a network. It automatically selects the best route for data to travel and send it on its way.

Servers

These are computers that hold shared programs, files, and the network operating system. It allow access to network resources to all the users of the network.

Clients

These are computer devices which access and uses the network as well as shares network resources. They are also users of the network, as they can send and receive requests from the server.

Transmission media

It is a carrier used to interconnect computers in a network, such as coaxial cable, twisted-pair wire, and optical fiber cable. It is also known as links, channels, or lines.

Access points

It allow devices to connect to the wireless network without cables. A wireless network allows you to bring new devices and provides flexible support to mobile users.

Shared data

These are data which is shared between the clients such as data files, printer access programs, and email.

Network Interface card

It sends, receives data, and controls data flow between the computer and the network.

Local Operating System

It helps personal computers to access files, print to a local printer and uses one or more disk and CD drives which are located on the computer.

Network Operating System

It is a program which runs on computers and servers. It allows the computers to communicate via network.

Protocol

It is the set of defined rules that allows two entities to communicate across the network. Some standard protocols used for this purpose are IP, TCP, UDP, FTP, etc.

Hub

It is a device that splits network connection into multiple computers. It acts a distribution center so whenever a computer requests any information from a computer or from the network it sends the request to the hub through a cable. It will receive the request and transmit it to the entire network.

LAN Cable

It is also called as Ethernet or data cable. It is used for connecting a device to the internet.

Hostname

Every device of the network is associated with a unique device, which is called _____.

IP Address

It is as a unique identifier for each device on the Internet. Length of the IP address is 32-bits. IPv6 address is 64 bits.

Domain Name System Server

It is a server which translates URL or web addresses into their corresponding IP addresses.

Media Access Control Address

It is known as a physical address is a unique identifier of each host and is associated with the NIC (Network Interface Card).

Port

It is a logical channel which allows network users to send or receive data to an application. Every host can have multiple applications running. Each of these applications are identified using the port number on which they are running.

Address Resolution Protocol

It helps network users to convert the IP address into its corresponding Physical Address.

Reverse Address Resolution Protocol

It gives an IP address of the device with given a physical address as input