A network 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

Packet

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. 

Media Access Control (MSC)

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

IP Address

is an identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network. 

Each node is daisy-chained (connected one right after the other) along the same backbone

Bus Topology

Ring Topology

Like a bus network, rings have the nodes daisy-chained. The difference is that 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. As the token circulates, computers attached to the network can capture it. The token acts like a ticket, enabling its owner to send a message across the network

Star Topology

In a star network, each node is connected to a central device called a hub. The hub takes a signal that comes from any node and passes it along to all the other nodes in the network.

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-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.