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Computer Network

A group of computers connected together that allows data and information to be transferred between them.

Packet

A piece of a message that is transmitted over the packing network, and often contain IP addresses.

LAN

Local Area Networks are the computers in a network that are physically close to one another, like in the same building

WAN

Wide Area Networks are used for computers that are far apart, the opposite of LAN.

Node

Anything that is connected to the network (a computer, printer).

MSC (MAC)

Media Access control is the physical address of any computer, or NIC. Each address is 6 bytes long.

IP Address

A address assigned to every computer that allows them to send and receive data over a network.

Bus Topology

Each node is connected one right after another, where each travels along the backbone to send information. Each end of a bus cable should be terminated so the signal can bounce back onto the node.

Ring Topology

Nodes are connected one right after another, but are all in a completed circuit. The nodes receive information through a Token, that extracts the data it wishes to send and sends it along to the next node.

Network Token

A series of bits that travel along a token-ring network. It enables the owner to send a message across a network, acting like a key.

Star Topology

Each node is connected to a central network known as a hub. The signal from the hub passes it along the node to other nodes in the network.

Tree Topology

Groups of nodes connected to a linear back bone cable. The nodes form similarly to star topology.

Protocol

How a sending and receiving device will indicate the message was sent and received.

Peer-Peer Architecture

A type of network in which each station has its own set of responsibilities for the network. They are simpler, and do not provide the kind of work need for heavy loads.