Networking Made Very Easy: Chapters 1 and 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basic definitions of computer networking, device roles, network types, and communication processes from Chapters 1 and 2.

Computer Network

A group of connected devices that can communicate and share information.

Host

A general networking word for any device connected to a network.

Endpoint

A device where communication normally begins or ends, such as a laptop, phone, or printer.

Client

A device or program that asks for information or a service, such as a browser asking for a webpage.

Server

A device or program that provides information or a service, such as a web, email, or file server.

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A network that covers a very small area around one person, such as a phone connected to wireless earbuds.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network covering a small area like a home, classroom, office, or building.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

A local network using wireless communication; a home Wi-Fi network is usually part of a WLAN.

CAN (Campus Area Network)

A network that connects several buildings in one campus or nearby area, such as university or hospital buildings.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A network that covers a city or large urban area.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network covering a large geographic area, such as cities, countries, or the world.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

A company that provides customers with access to the internet.

Packet

A small piece of network information divided before it travels through a network.

Downloading

The process of receiving information from another device or server.

Uploading

The process of sending information from your device to another device or server.

Bandwidth

A description of how much information a connection can carry during a period of time; it represents capacity.

Latency

The measurement of delay in communication, often measured in milliseconds ($ms$).

Topology

The way devices are arranged or connected in a network, such as star, bus, ring, or mesh.

Hostname

The specific name assigned to a device.

Data

Information that a computer can store, process, send, or receive, such as text, pictures, or video.

Binary

A number system that uses only two values, $0$ and $1$, as the basic language for computers.

Bit

A single binary value, either a $0$ or a $1$.

Byte

A group that normally consists of $8$ bits.

Pixel

A tiny point used to make up a digital picture, containing information on colour, brightness, and location.

Protocol

A set of rules used for communication that tells devices how to interact.

HTTP

A protocol used specifically for website communication.

DNS (Domain Name System)

A protocol that helps change a website name into an IP address.

Request

A message that asks for something, such as a browser asking a server for a webpage.

Response

A message that answers a request, such as a server providing a webpage.

Simplex

Communication that moves in only one direction, such as a traditional television broadcast.

Half-Duplex

Communication that can move in both directions, but not at the same time, such as a walkie-talkie.

Full-Duplex

Communication that can move in both directions at the same time, such as a phone call.

Packet Loss

Occurs when some pieces of information go missing during their journey to the destination.

Jitter

A condition where the network delay keeps changing or is uneven.

Acknowledgement

A message confirming that information was successfully received.

Ping

A command that tests whether another device responds by sending a small test message.