Computer Network -  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. 

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

Wide Area Network -  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. The MAC address, which is made up of two equal parts, is 6 bytes long. The first 3 bytes identify the company that made the NIC. The second 3 bytes are the serial number of the NIC itself.

IP Address - an alphanumeric label assigned to computers and other devices that connect to a network using an internet protocol.

Bus Topology -  Each node is daisy-chained (connected one right after the other) along the same backbone, similar to Christmas lights.

Ring Topology -  the end of the network comes back around to the first node, creating a complete circuit. In a ring network, each node takes a turn sending and receiving information through the use of a token.

Network Token - a token is a special series of bits that travels around a token-ring network.

Star Topology -  In a star network, each node is connected to a central device called a hub. 

Tree Topology - : A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable.

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

Peer-To-Peer Architecture - a type of network in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. 

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

Hubs -  a device that allows multiple computers to communicate with each other over a network.