Computer Network Basics Study Cards

Enhance Your Learning with Computer Network Basics Flash Cards for quick learning



Computer Network

A collection of interconnected devices, such as computers, servers, printers, and switches, that communicate with each other to share resources and information.

Network Protocol

A set of rules and conventions that govern the communication between devices in a network. Examples include TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.

IP Address

A unique numerical identifier assigned to each device on a network. It allows devices to communicate with each other using the Internet Protocol (IP).

Network Topology

The physical or logical layout of a computer network. Common topologies include bus, star, ring, and mesh.

Router

A network device that forwards data packets between different networks. It acts as a central hub for data traffic.

Firewall

A security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. It helps protect the network from unauthorized access and threats.

Wireless Network

A network that allows devices to connect and communicate without the need for physical cables. It uses radio waves or infrared signals for data transmission.

Internet

A global network of interconnected computer networks that allows for the exchange of information and communication between devices worldwide.

DNS

Domain Name System. It translates domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites using human-readable names.

Network Troubleshooting

The process of identifying and resolving issues or problems in a computer network. It involves diagnosing network connectivity, performance, and configuration issues.

Network Management

The administration and monitoring of a computer network to ensure its smooth operation. It includes tasks like network configuration, performance optimization, and security management.

Ethernet

A widely used networking technology that allows devices to connect and communicate over a local area network (LAN). It uses a set of protocols and standards for data transmission.

Subnet Mask

A 32-bit number used in IP addressing to divide an IP address into network and host portions. It helps determine the network to which a device belongs.

Switch

A network device that connects multiple devices in a local area network (LAN). It forwards data packets between devices based on their MAC addresses.

VPN

Virtual Private Network. It provides a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, such as the internet. It allows users to access private networks remotely.

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time period. It is usually measured in bits per second (bps).

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. It is a set of protocols used for communication between devices on the internet. It provides reliable and error-free data transmission.

DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network.

Network Security

The protection of a computer network from unauthorized access, misuse, and threats. It involves implementing security measures like firewalls, encryption, and access controls.

Gateway

A network device that serves as an entry point between two different networks. It acts as a bridge, allowing communication between the networks.

MAC Address

Media Access Control Address. It is a unique identifier assigned to the network interface of a device. It is used for communication at the data link layer of the network.

Network Address Translation (NAT)

A technique used to translate private IP addresses to public IP addresses and vice versa. It allows devices on a private network to communicate with devices on the internet.

Wi-Fi

A wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect and communicate over a local area network (LAN) without the need for physical cables.

Packet

A unit of data transmitted over a network. It contains the payload (actual data) and control information (source and destination addresses, error detection codes, etc.).

Network Administrator

A person responsible for managing and maintaining a computer network. They handle tasks like network configuration, troubleshooting, and security management.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A hardware component that allows a device to connect to a computer network. It provides the physical connection between the device and the network.

Proxy Server

A server that acts as an intermediary between a client device and the internet. It helps improve performance, security, and privacy by caching and filtering network traffic.

Network Cable

A physical medium used to connect devices in a computer network. Common types include Ethernet cables (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6) and fiber optic cables.

Network Address

An identifier assigned to a device on a network. It can be an IP address, MAC address, or a combination of both.

Network Load Balancing

The distribution of network traffic across multiple servers or network links to optimize performance, reliability, and resource utilization.

Network Protocol Analyzer

A tool used to capture, analyze, and decode network traffic. It helps diagnose network issues, monitor performance, and troubleshoot problems.

Network Gateway

A device or software that connects two different networks, allowing communication between them. It acts as an entry and exit point for network traffic.

Network Latency

The time delay experienced in transmitting data over a network. It is influenced by factors like distance, network congestion, and processing time.

Network Redundancy

The duplication of network components or paths to provide backup and failover capabilities. It helps ensure network availability and reliability.

Network Segmentation

The division of a computer network into smaller subnetworks or segments. It helps improve performance, security, and manageability.

Network Traffic

The flow of data packets over a computer network. It includes both incoming and outgoing data, such as web requests, file transfers, and email messages.

Network Virtualization

The creation of multiple virtual networks on a single physical network infrastructure. It allows for better resource utilization and isolation of network traffic.

Network Monitoring

The continuous monitoring and analysis of a computer network to ensure its optimal performance, security, and availability. It involves collecting and analyzing network data.

Network Segments

Subdivisions of a computer network created by network segmentation. Each segment can have its own network address range and security policies.

Network Performance

The measure of how well a computer network is functioning. It includes factors like data transfer speed, latency, reliability, and throughput.

Network Discovery

The process of identifying and mapping devices and resources on a computer network. It helps administrators understand the network topology and configuration.

Network Scalability

The ability of a computer network to accommodate growth and increased demand. It involves adding or upgrading network components to handle additional users and traffic.

Network Segregation

The isolation of different types of network traffic or user groups to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access or data leakage.

Network Backup

The process of creating copies of network data and configurations to protect against data loss or system failures. It helps ensure data availability and recovery.

Network Encryption

The process of encoding network data to prevent unauthorized access or interception. It ensures the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted information.

Network Performance Testing

The evaluation of a computer network's performance under different conditions and loads. It helps identify bottlenecks, optimize configurations, and plan for capacity.