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

Computer Network

A piece of a message transmitted over a packet-switching network. In IP networks, packets are often called datagrams.

Packet

 This is a network that connects computers and other devices in a relatively small area, typically a single building or a group of buildings. 

Local Area Network (LAN)

 A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area and consists of two or more interconnected local area networks (LANs).

Wide Area Network (WAN)

 A node is a basic unit used in computer science. Nodes are devices or data points on a larger network. 

Node

 The Media Access Control layer is one of two sublayers of the Data Link Control layer and is concerned with sharing the physical connection to the network among several computers.

Media Access Control (MSC)

IP Address

a unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

Bus Topology

Bus topology is a specific kind of network topology in which all of the various devices in the network are connected to a single cable or line.

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

In networking, a token is a special series of bits that travels around a token-ring network.

Star Topology

Star topology is a network topology where each individual piece of a network is attached to a central node (often called a hub or switch). The attachment of these network pieces to the central component is visually represented in a form similar to a star.

Tree Topology

A network structure in the form of a multi-point electrical circuit, with multiple branches off the trunk of the central.

Protocol

An agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices which determines the type of error checking to be used

data compression method, how the sending device will indicate that it has finished sending a message, and how the receiving device will indicate that it has received a message.

Peer-Peer Architecture

This is a commonly used computer networking architecture in which each workstation, or node, has the same capabilities and responsibilities.

Client/Server Architecture

This is a distributed application structure that partitions tasks or workloads between the providers of a resource or service, called servers, and service requesters, called clients.

 Hubs

A hub, also called a network hub, is a common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are devices commonly used to connect segments of a LAN.

Network Routers

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet.

Switches or Switching Hub

 This is a computer networking device that connects devices together on a computer network by using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device.

Network Interface Card

The NIC contains the electronic circuitry required to communicate using a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet) or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi). 

 Twisted-Pair Cable

The use of two wires twisted together helps to reduce cross-talk and electromagnetic induction. It is the least expensive type of local-area network (LAN) cable.

Coaxial Cables

This is a type of electrical cable that has an inner conductor surrounded by a tubular insulating layer, surrounded by a tubular conducting shield.

Fiber Optic

Consisting of or using thin flexible fibers with a glass core through which light signals can be sent with very little loss of strength.

Wireless Network

Wireless networks are computer networks that are not connected by cables of any kind. The use of a wireless network enables enterprises to avoid the costly process of introducing cables into buildings or as a connection between different equipment locations.

Main Distribution Frame (MDF)

A Main Distribution Frame (MDF) is a signal distribution frame or cable rack used in telephony to interconnect and manage telecommunication wiring between itself and any number of intermediate distribution frames and cabling from the telephony network it supports.

Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF)

An intermediate distribution frame (IDF) is a distribution frame in a central office or customer premises, which cross-connects the user cable media to individual user line circuits.

Bridge

A network bridge is a computer networking device that creates a single aggregate network from multiple communication networks or network segments.

 Wireless Access Point (WAP) 

A wireless access point (WAP) is a hardware device or configured node on a local area network (LAN) that allows wireless capable devices and wired networks to connect through a wireless standard, including Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.