Chapter 6 Flashcards
(66 cards)
Computer Network
Communication media system that connects computers and other devices (ie printers) so that data and information can be transmitted among them.
Bandwidth
transmission capacity of a network. how much data throughput a data connection can offer
Broadband
Broad Bandwidth. The transmissions capacity of the network
Local Area Network (LAN)
Connects two or more more devices in a limited geographical region (usually within the same building) so that every device on the network can communicate with every other device.
file server/ network server
operating under a LAN. It is a server that typically contains various software and data for the network.
Wide Area Network WAN
extend beyond the confines of LAN—cover large geographic areas, typically connecting multiple LANs. Provided by telephone companies, communication service providers, and the internet.
Routers
Communication processor that routes messages from a LAN to the internet, across several connected LANs, or across a wide area network such as the internet.
Enterprise Networks
used by organizations which have multiple LANs and may have multiple WANs.
Backbone Networks
high-speed central networks to which multiple smaller networks (LANs and WANs) connect.
Analog Signals
continuous waves that transmit information by altering the characteristics of the waves ie amplitude and frequency. Interpreted by people.
Digital Signals
discrete pulses that are either on or off representing a series of bits (0’s and 1’s). Interpreted by computers.
Modem
convert digital signals to analog signals.
Communication Channels
comprised of two types of media: cable and broadcast.
Cable/ Wire linemedia
physical wires/cables to transmit data and information.
Broadcast/ wireless media
Data transmission over airwaves
twisted pair wire
business telephone wiring consisting of strands of copper twisted in pairs. Slow for transmitting data, prone to interference from other electrical sources…
Coaxial Cable
insulated copper wire. Better performance than twisted pair wire but more expensive and somewhat inflexible because it is difficult to work with.
Fiber Optic Cables
contains glass fibers that transmit information via light pulses generated by lasers. Usually used as the backbone of the network. Best performance and security.
DSL Digital Subscriber Line
provides high speed transmission of digital data from homes and business over telephone lines. Includes modems because telephone lines are analog and transmission is digital.
Asynchronized Transfer Mode
networks allow users to access almost unlimited bandwidth on demand. Supports data, voice, and video transmissons all on one communication line.
Synchronous Optical Network
an interface standard designed to carry large volumes of traffic over long distances using fiber optic lines.
T Carrier System
digital transmission system that defines circuits that operate at different rates. Used to transport a single voice call.
Network Protocols
Set of rules and procedures that govern transmission across a network.
Ethernet
is a common LAN protocol.