2.2 Network Communication Devices and Protocols

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to networking devices, their functions, and connectivity protocols.

Router

A device that forwards traffic between different IP subnets.

Layer three device

A device that operates at the network layer of the OSI model, commonly used for routing.

Switch

A device that forwards traffic based on the destination MAC address inside of a network frame.

Access Point

A device that provides wireless connectivity and acts as a bridge between wireless and wired networks.

Unmanaged switch

A simple switch with no configuration options, all devices connected are in the same VLAN.

Managed switch

A switch that allows network administrators to manage and configure settings such as VLANs.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

A technology allowing Ethernet cables to carry electrical power to devices along with data.

Multi Layer Switch

A switch that has additional routing functionality, often referred to as a Layer 3 switch.

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

A protocol used to manage and monitor network devices.

Virtual LAN (VLAN)

A subnet that can group together devices on a network regardless of their physical location.

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

A network protocol that ensures a loop-free topology for computer networks.

Patch panel

A mounted hardware assembly containing ports for cable connectors to facilitate organized connections.

RJ45 connector

A standard connector for Ethernet networking, used for wired connections.

Firewall

A network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

Hubs

Simple networking devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices, operating as a multiport repeater.

DOCSIS

Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, used for transmitting data over cable networks.

DSL modem

A device that provides internet access over telephone lines using Digital Subscriber Line technology.

ONT (Optical Network Terminal)

A device that converts fiber optic signals into Ethernet for use in homes and businesses.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

A hardware component that enables a device to connect to a network.

Half duplex communication

A type of communication where data transmission can occur in both directions, but not simultaneously.

Full duplex communication

A type of communication where data transmission can occur in both directions simultaneously.

Ethernet

A family of protocols used for wired networking, facilitating data transfer over LANs.

Broadband communication

A high-capacity transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies to send multiple signals simultaneously.

Cable modem

A device that modulates and demodulates signals for internet access over cable television systems.

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)

A type of DSL that offers different download and upload speeds, typically faster for downloads.

IP address

A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

MAC address

A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment.

Packet

A formatted unit of data carried by a packet-switched network.

Frame

A data packet at the link layer in the OSI model, containing both header and payload.

Bridge

A device that connects two or more network segments, making them function as one network.

Topology

The arrangement or layout of various elements (links, nodes, etc.) in a computer network.

Encryption tunnel

A secure connection method that encapsulates and encrypts data traffic between two sites.

Protocol analyzer

A tool used to capture and analyze packet data flowing across a network.