Computer Networking Fundamentals

Bandwidth

the maximum amount of data that can be sent in a fixed amount of time, usually measured in bits per second

Computing Device

a machine that can run a program, including computers, tablets, servers, routers, and smart sensors

Computing Network

a group of interconnected computing devices capable of sending or receiving data

Computing System

a group of computing devices and programs working together for a common purpose

Path

the series of connections between computing devices on a network starting with a sender and ending with a receiver

IP Address

The unique number assigned to each device on the Internet

Internet Protocol (IP)

a protocol for sending data across the Internet that assigns unique numbers (IP addresses) to each connected device

Protocol

An agreed-upon set of rules that specify the behavior of some system

Fault Tolerant / Fault Tolerance

Can continue to function even in the event of individual component failures

Redundancy

The inclusion of extra components so that a system can continue to work even if individual components fail, for example by having more than one path between any two devices in a network

Router

A type of computer / networking device that forwards data across a network by selecting the most efficient path using routing tables and protocols

Packet

A chunk of data sent over a network. Larger messages are divided into packets that may arrive in order, out-of-order, or not at all

Packet Metadata

Data added to packets to help route them through the network and reassemble the original message

Datastream

Information passed through the internet in packets

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

A protocol for sending packets that does error-checking to ensure all packets are received and properly ordered

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

A protocol for sending packets quickly with minimal error-checking and no resending of dropped packets

Reliability

the ability to consistently provide accurate and efficient data transmission with minimal disruption

Scalability

the ability to handle a greater number of users, data, and traffic without sacrificing performance