I reccoment studying the flashcards since they r edited way better than the notes

Network Terms and Definitions

1. Network: Connected computers sharing info.

2. Internet: Global network of connected computers.

Network Devices

• Hub: A hardware device that connects multiple devices in a LAN by sending data packets to all connected devices, leading to potential security issues and increased traffic.

• Switch: Similar to a hub but smarter; it sends data packets only to the intended device using MAC addresses, enhancing security and reducing unnecessary traffic.

• Network Interface Card (NIC): A device enabling a computer to connect to a network by converting data into electrical signals; each NIC has a unique MAC address.

• Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC): A NIC for wireless connectivity using an antenna.

• Bridge: Connects separate LAN segments to function as a unified network, improving internal connectivity.

• Router: Directs data packets between networks using IP addresses, essential for connecting a LAN to the internet.

• Access Point: Allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi.

• Modem: Converts digital signals to analog for transmission over telephone lines and vice versa, enabling internet connectivity.

• Firewall: A security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules.

Communication Technologies

• Bluetooth: A short-range wireless technology (up to 30 meters) for connecting devices using radio waves around 2.45 GHz.

• Wi-Fi: A wireless technology for larger networks, offering faster speeds and better range (up to 100 meters), using 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Cloud Computing

1. Cloud Storage: Storing data on remote servers managed by hosting companies, offering accessibility, data redundancy, and remote backup.

Addressing

• MAC Address: A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communication on the physical network segment.

• IP Address: A unique label assigned to devices on the internet, available in IPv4 and IPv6 formats.

Types of IP Addresses

1. Private IP: Used in local networks.

2. Public IP: Used on the internet.

3. Static IP: Doesn't change.

4. Dynamic IP: Changes often.

LAN (Local Area Network)

Advantages:

1. Share resources (printers, files).

2. Easy communication between devices.

3. Central control for security.

Disadvantages:

1. Virus can spread easily.

2. Slower access to outside networks.

3. If the main server fails, the network can stop working.

LAN (Local Area Network)

- Expands to: Local Area Network

- Spans large areas: Connects computers in a small geographical area.

- Meaning: A network that connects computers within a limited area like a residence, school, laboratory, or office building.

- Ownership of Network: Private

- Design and Maintenance: Easy

- Propagation Delay: Short

- Speed: High

- Fault Tolerance: More Tolerant

- Congestion: Less

- Used for: College, schools, hospitals

- Allows: single devices can simultaneously communicate at the same time.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

- Expands to: Metropolitan Area Network

- Spans large areas: Covers larger regions like cities or towns.

- Meaning: A network that connects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by a LAN but smaller than the area covered by a WAN.

- Ownership of Network: Private or Public

- Design and Maintenance: Difficult

- Propagation Delay: Moderate

- Speed: Moderate

- Fault Tolerance: Less Tolerant

- Congestion: More

- Used for: towns, cities

- Allows: A huge group of computers interact.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

- Expands to: Wide Area Network

- Spans large areas: Connecting countries, e.g., the Internet.

- Meaning: A network that extends over a large geographical area, often a country or continent, and is used to connect LANs and other types of networks.

- Ownership of Network: Private or Public

- Design and Maintenance: Difficult

- Propagation Delay: Long

- Speed: Low

- Fault Tolerance: Less Tolerant

- Congestion: More

- Used for: Country/Continent

- Allows: many groups of devices to communicate.