Chapter 2 - Networking Flashcards
ARPAnet
Advanced Research Projects Agency network
WAN
Wide Area Network (network covering a very large geographical area)
Typically consists of LANs connected via public communications networks
This means it may be a private network and passwords/user IDs are required to access it
LAN
Local Area Network (network covering a small area such as a single building)
MAN
Metropolitan Area Network
Larger than LAN smaller than WAN
File server
Server on a network where central files and other data are stored and can be accessed by a user logged onto the network
Hub
Hardware used to connect together a number of devices to form a LAN that directs incoming data packets to all devices on the network
Switch
Hardware connecting a number of devices to form a LAN that directs incoming data packets to a specific destination address only
Router
Devices which enables data packets to be routed between different networks (eg. can join LANs to form a WAN)
Modem
Modulator demodulator
Device that converts digital data to analogue data (to be sent down a telephone wire), also converts analogue data to digital data. Allows several simultaneous wireless connections to take place without interfering with each other. Connects to public infrastructure (cable optic fibre etc.) and supplies a standard Ethernet output which allows connection to a router and internet connection.
WLAN
Wireless LAN (local area network)
(W)AP
(Wireless) Access Point
Access point which allows a device to access a LAN without a wired connection
PAN
Network that is centred around a person/their workspace
Client server
Network that uses separate dedicated servers and specific client workstations, all client computers are connected to the dedicated servers
Spread spectrum technology
Wide and radio frequency with a range of 30 to 50 metres
Resistant to blocking/tracking as the frequencies change constantly
Node
Device connected to a network (can be computer, storage device or peripheral device)
Peer-to-peer
Network in which each node can share its files with all the other nodes. Each node has its own data and there is no central server
Thin client
Device that needs access to the internet for it to work + depends a more powerful computer for processing
Thin client
Device that needs access to the internet for it work + depends on a more powerful computer for processing
Thick client
Device which can work both offline and online + is able to do some processing even if not connected to a network/internet
Bus network topology
Network using single central cable in which all devices are connected to this cable so data can only travel in one direction and only one device is allowed to transmit at a time
Packet
Message/data sent over a network from node to node (includes the address of the node sending the packet, address of recipient and actual data)
Star network topology
Network that uses a central hub/switch with all devices connected to it so that all data packets are directed through the hub/switch
Mesh network topology
Interlinked computers/devices which use routing logic so data packets are sent from sending stations to receiving stations via the shortest route
Hybrid network
Network made up of a combination of other network topologies