Computer Network

A set of computers connected together for the purpose of sharing resources.

Packet

A small amount of computer data sent over a network.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A computer network that links devices within a building or group of adjacent buildings.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

a computer network in which the computers connected may be far apart, generally having a radius of half a mile or more.

Node

Nodes are devices or data points on a larger network.

Media Access Control (MSC)

A sub layer of the data link layer (DLL) in the seven-layer OSI network reference model. MAC is responsible for the transmission of data packets to and from the network-interface card, and to and from another remotely shared channel.

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

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 network configuration in which device connections create a circular data path.

Network Token

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

Star Topology

where every node connects to a central network device, like a hub, switch, or computer. 

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-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.