Computer Networking Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamentals of computer networking, including types of networks, network hardware devices, layouts (topologies), transmission mediums, and the OSI and TCP/IP reference models.

Computer Network

A group of interconnected computers and other devices that can communicate with each other and share resources like files, internet, and applications.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A network with a very small range, usually within a few meters, such as Bluetooth between a phone and a headset.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network covering a small area like a home, school, or office, such as computers in a school lab.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A network covering a city or campus, such as a city-wide Wi-Fi network.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network covering large distances, even worldwide, with the internet being the primary example.

Network Devices

Hardware components used to connect computers in a network to help in transmitting, receiving, and routing data between nodes.

Router

A device that connects different networks, assigns IP addresses, and routes data packets.

Switch

A device that connects multiple devices in a LAN and forwards data only to the correct intended device.

Hub

A device that connects multiple devices in a LAN but sends data to all devices regardless of destination, making it less efficient than a switch.

Modem

A device that converts digital data to analog and vice versa to connect a home or business network to an ISP.

Access Point (AP)

A device that expands the wireless coverage of a network and allows wireless devices to connect.

Bridge

A device used to connect two different networks or segments and filter traffic.

Repeater

A device that boosts signal strength for long-distance transmissions to extend network range.

Gateway

A device that acts as a translator between different network protocols or systems.

Firewall

A security layer that filters and blocks unauthorized network traffic.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A component built into laptops and PCs that allows a device to connect to a network either via wire or wirelessly.

Network Topology

The physical or logical layout of how computers, cables, and devices are arranged and connected in a network.

Bus Topology

A layout where all devices share a single communication line called a backbone.

Star Topology

A layout where all devices are connected to a central device such as a switch or hub.

Ring Topology

A layout where devices form a closed loop and data travels in one direction.

Mesh Topology

A highly reliable layout where every device connects directly to every other device.

Hybrid Topology

A flexible and scalable design that combines two or more different topologies.

Transmission Media

The physical path or channel over which data is transmitted from one device to another in a network.

Guided Media

Wired media where data travels through a physical medium such as cables.

Unguided Media

Wireless media where data travels through air or space without physical cables.

Twisted Pair Cable

Two copper wires twisted together, commonly used in LANs (Ethernet), which is cheap but susceptible to interference.

Coaxial Cable

A cable with a central core conductor and shielding, used in cable TV and internet.

Fiber Optic Cable

High-speed media that uses light signals through glass or plastic fibers and is immune to interference.

Radio Waves

Unguided media used in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and broadcasting that can penetrate walls but suffer from signal interference.

Microwaves

High bandwidth media used in satellite transmission that requires a direct line of sight and can be affected by weather.

Infrared

Short-range communication media used in remote controls that needs a direct line of sight and is affected by sunlight.

Network Model

A standardized framework used to describe and design how data is transmitted and processed in a network by breaking communication into layers.

OSI Model

The Open Systems Interconnection model, a theoretical 7-layer framework developed by ISO.

TCP/IP Model

The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol model, a practical 4-layer framework developed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Application Layer (OSI)

Layer 7 of the OSI model which provides the interface for user applications like web browsers and email.

Presentation Layer (OSI)

Layer 6 of the OSI model which handles data translation, encryption, and compression (e.g., JPEG, MP3, SSL).

Session Layer (OSI)

Layer 5 of the OSI model which maintains connections and sessions between applications.

Transport Layer (OSI)

Layer 4 of the OSI model which ensures reliable data delivery and error checking using protocols like TCP and UDP.

Network Layer (OSI)

Layer 3 of the OSI model which manages routing and logical addressing using IP.

Data Link Layer (OSI)

Layer 2 of the OSI model which handles frames, MAC addresses, and error detection.

Physical Layer (OSI)

Layer 1 of the OSI model which involves hardware transmission through cables, signals, and NICs.

Internet Layer (TCP/IP)

The TCP/IP model layer (corresponding to OSI Layer 3) responsible for logical addressing and routing.

Network Access Layer (TCP/IP)

The TCP/IP model layer (corresponding to OSI Layers 1-2) responsible for physical transmission and MAC addressing.