Network Protocols and Infrastructure – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering protocols, OSI layers, transport mechanisms, services, architectures, security tools, and topologies from the lecture notes.

Network Protocol

A set of rules that governs how data is exchanged securely and efficiently between devices.

OSI Model

A seven-layer conceptual framework that standardizes network communication functions.

Physical Layer (Layer 1)

Handles raw bit transmission over hardware such as cables and radios.

Data Link Layer (Layer 2)

Manages node-to-node connections and MAC addressing.

Network Layer (Layer 3)

Routes data packets between devices using logical addressing (e.g., IP).

Transport Layer (Layer 4)

Provides reliable or fast end-to-end data delivery with TCP, UDP, or SCTP.

Session Layer (Layer 5)

Establishes, maintains, and terminates communication sessions.

Presentation Layer (Layer 6)

Translates, encrypts, and compresses data for the application layer.

Application Layer (Layer 7)

Supplies user-facing network services such as web browsers or email clients.

HTTP

Protocol that transfers hypertext data on the World Wide Web.

HTTPS

Encrypted version of HTTP that secures web traffic with TLS/SSL.

FTP

Protocol used for transferring files between computers on a network.

TCP/IP

Foundational suite of protocols that powers the Internet.

SMTP

Protocol responsible for sending outbound email messages.

DNS

Service that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses.

DHCP

Protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to network devices.

UDP

Connectionless, fast transport protocol without delivery guarantees.

TCP

Connection-oriented transport protocol that ensures reliable, ordered delivery of data.

SCTP

Transport protocol combining TCP reliability with UDP-like message support.

Port

Logical endpoint number used to direct data to the correct application.

Network Service

Background process that supports essential connectivity or resource sharing.

DNS Service

Network service that maintains and resolves domain name records.

DHCP Service

Network service that leases IP configurations to clients automatically.

NTP

Protocol that synchronizes clocks of networked devices.

VPN

Encrypted tunnel providing secure remote access over public networks.

SSH

Secure protocol for remote command-line access and file transfer.

RDP

Microsoft protocol that enables graphical remote desktop connectivity.

POP3

Protocol for downloading email messages to a local client.

IMAP

Email protocol that keeps messages on the server for multi-device access.

Content Delivery Network (CDN)

Distributed servers that accelerate content delivery to end users.

Network as a Service (NaaS)

Cloud model that provides on-demand network functions and connectivity.

IP Addressing

Scheme that assigns logical numerical identifiers to network devices.

MAC Address

Unique hardware identifier assigned to a network interface card.

Packet Routing

Process of selecting paths for packets to travel across networks.

Client-Server Architecture

Model where centralized servers provide resources to client devices.

Peer-to-Peer Architecture

Network design where devices share resources directly without a central server.

PAN

Personal Area Network, typically using Bluetooth for close-range connectivity.

LAN

Local Area Network covering a home, office, or campus.

WLAN

Wireless Local Area Network that uses Wi-Fi for connectivity.

MAN

Metropolitan Area Network spanning a city or large campus.

WAN

Wide Area Network covering broad geographic areas, including the Internet.

Star Topology

Network layout with all devices connected to a central hub or switch.

Ring Topology

Network arrangement where each device connects to two others in a loop.

Mesh Topology

Design where every device interconnects with multiple others for redundancy.

Firewall

Security device that filters and blocks unauthorized network traffic.

IDS (Intrusion Detection System)

Monitors network traffic to detect malicious activity or policy violations.

IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)

Detects and actively blocks identified network threats.

CASB

Cloud Access Security Broker that enforces security policies on cloud usage.

ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)

Security approach that requires continuous verification before granting network access.

Secure Web Gateway

Proxy that filters malicious websites and enforces web usage policies.

Network Segmentation

Practice of dividing a network into smaller sections to limit attack spread.

Network Diagram

Visual representation of devices, connections, and topology for planning and troubleshooting.