Computer Network

A network is a group of computers connected together in a way that allows information to be exchanged between the computers.

Packet

A piece of a message transmitted over a packet-switching network.

LAN- Local area network

(LAN) technologies connect many devices that are relatively close to each other, usually in the same building.

WAN- Wide area network

(WAN) technologies connect a smaller number of devices that can be many kilometers apart. 

Node

A node is anything that is connected to the network. While a node is typically a computer, it can also be something like a printer or CD-ROM tower.

Media Access Control (MSC)

This is the physical address of any device -- such as the NIC in a computer -- on the network. 

IP Address

An IP (Internet Protocol) Address is an alphanumeric label assigned to computers and other devices that connect to a network using an internet protocol.

Bus Topology

A type of network topology in which all devices in the network are connected by one central RJ-45 network cable or coaxial cable. The single cable, where all data is transmitted between devices, is referred to as the bus, backbone, or trunk.

Ring Topology

A  ring network is a network topology in which each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals through each node – a ring.

Network Token

A network token is a 16-digit Primary Account Number (PAN) alternative, which is unique for each shopper-merchant pairing.

Star Topology

Star topology is a network topology in which each network component is physically connected to a central node such as a router, hub, or switch.

Tree Topology

A tree topology is a special type of structure where many connected elements are arranged like the branches of a tree.

Protocol

An agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices. 

Peer-Peer Architecture

 A type of network in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. This differs from client/server architectures, in which some computers are dedicated to serving the other machines in the system.

Client/ Server Architecture

Client-server architecture (client/server) is a network architecture in which each computer or process on the network is either a client or a server.