DGS 3.4- Network & The Internet

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Network

A series of interconnected nodes (connection points) that are able to transmit, receive and exchange data

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Personal area network (PAN)

The smallest type of network, consisting of the connected devices that are in close proximity to an individual

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Local area network (LAN)

A group of computers or devices that are connected on a single site

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Metropolitan area network (MAN)

A network that covers a larger geographical area, such as city

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Wide area network (WAN)

A national or international network; example is internet

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Wireless networks

Use of wireless technologies to connect the different nodes to form a network (eg : uses radio signals)

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Cloud network

Incorporation of network capabilities either public or private cloud platform

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Client-server networks

A type of network where data is stored centrally on a server and access is given to each device (client) connected to the network.

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Peer-to-peer network

A decentralized network in which each computer is equally responsible for storing and sharing data

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Network interface card

Device responsible for converting data into a digital signal and communicating this data to a network

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MAC address

A unique identifier assigned to every piece of hardware

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Router

A networking technology that transfers data from one network to another by the most efficient route available

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Modem

A device that converts digital data into analogue data so that it can be transmitted over a telephone line

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Wireless access point (WAP)

A device that creates a wireless local area network to improve coverage throughout a building.

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Hub

A networking device that broadcasts data to all devices on the network.

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Switch

A networking device that forwards data packets more efficiently than a hub.

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Interoperability

Allows different digital technologies or systems to connect and exchange data with one another without restrictions.

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Network protocol

A set of agreed rules that state how to format, send and receive data

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Transmission control protocol/ internet protocol (TCP/IP)

Protocol that defines where data is to be sent to and from (IP), and how the data is to be broken down into packets before sending (TCP)

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IP (internet protocol) address

A logical numeric address that is assigned to every node on a network

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Domain name server (DNS)

A server that translates domain names into IP addresses

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Bandwidth

The maximum rate of data transfer at any one time, measured in hertz (Hz)

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Speed

The length of time it takes for data to be transferred, measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

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Data compression

Process that reduces the size of a file by reencoding it to use fewer bits of storage than the original file.

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Net neutrality

all data requests on the internet should be treated equally by the internet service providers (ISPs) ~ internet should be free equally

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Multi-factor authentication

The use of multiple methods of authentication to verify a user’s identity

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Firewall

Hardware or software designed to block unauthorized access to a network by inspecting incoming and outgoing network traffic

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Proxy server

Computer system that acts as an intermediary between the client on the network and the internet; providing an additional layer of security

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Mobile service provider (MSP)

A company that offers cellular connection to mobile phone subscribers

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VoIP (voice over internet protocol)

Allows users to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of an analogue phone line.

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Internet service provider (ISP)

A company that provides internet access and other related services to its customers

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Internet

The global collection of networks and networking technologies that link billions of users worldwide.

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World Wide Web (WWW):

The websites and web services that are hosted on web servers and identified by their URL (uniform resource locator).

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Internet of things (IoT)

Internet-connected devices that collect and share data

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Spamming

Sending unsolicited emails, mainly for the purpose of advertising

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Hacking

Unauthorized access to a computer or network

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Social engineering

In internet security, this means to manipulate a user into sharing confidential or personal information with a fraudster - impersonate

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Phishing

A type of social engineering that involves sending fraudulent emails designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information

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Virus

A type of malicious software comprised of small pieces of code, often attached to legitimate programs or emails

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Ransomware

Malware that infects a computer and effectively locks the user out of their own device and demands a payment to unlock it.

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Distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks

Overwhelming a site or service so that it is not available to its intended users. (attack to one’s server until its shut down)

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Anonymity

The use of digital technology to conceal a person’s true identity

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Internet trolls

People who leave intentionally provocative or offensive messages online in order to get attention, cause trouble or upset someone.

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Identity theft

When someone steals your personal information with the intention of committing fraud. They may use your information to apply for a credit card or gain access to medical services.