Computer Networking Technology: Network Terms

Network:

The term network means two or more connected computers that can share resources such as data, applications, devices, internet connection or some combination of this.

Computer <-----------> Computer <------------> Printer
Host Host Device

These two hosts "talk" to each other using a computer language called binary code.

Node: Node is a device that connected in a network.

Common Network Components:

1. Workstation: Workstation is often seriously powerful computer that run more than one central processing unit (CPU) and whose resources are available to other users on the network to access when needed.

2. Server: Server is a powerful computer which is "at the service" of the network and run specialized software for the network's maintenance and control known as the Network Operating System.
Here's a list of common servers-

         File Server: Stores & dispenses files.

   Mail Server: Handles E-mail functions.

   Print Server: Manages printers on the network.

   Web Server: Manages web-based activities by running HTTP for storing web content and accessing web pages.

   Fax Server: Sends & receives faxes over the network.

      Application Server: Manages network applications.

      Proxy Server: Handles tasks in the place of other machines on the network.

A client machine is any device on the network that can ask for access to resources from a server or powerful workstation.

3. Host: Host means any network device with an IP address.

Types of Network: There are main three types of network-

   1. LAN (Local Area Network): Connected two or more PCs in a building.
   2. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Connected more LANs in a city.
                               3. WAN (Wide Area Network): Connected more LANs in a wide distance.

Topology: Topology is a map or a diagram of a network.

Types of Topology: There are main two types of Topology-

1. Physical Topology: Physical Topology means how the network device is connected to each other.
2. Logical Topology: Logical Topology means how the data packets transfer into a network.

Types of Physical Topology: There are main five types of Physical Topology-

1. Bus Topology
2. Star Topology
3. Ring Topology
4. Mesh Topology
5. Hybrid Topology

OSI Model:

Layer 1: Physical Layer
Layer 2: Data Link Layer
Layer 3: Network Layer
Layer 4: Transport Layer
Layer 5: Session Layer
Layer 6: Presentation Layer
Layer 7: Application Layer

TCP/IP Model:

Layer 1: Network Interface Layer
Layer 2: Internet Layer
Layer 3: Transport Layer
Layer 4: Application Layer

Wireless Connectivity

WiMAX: WiMAX Stands for "Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access". Use IEEE 802.16 standards.

IEEE means "Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers"

WiFi: Wi-Fi Stands for "Wireless Fidelity". Use IEEE 802.11x standards(x means a, b, g).

IEEE 802.11a: Provides up to 54 Mbps in the 5GHz Bandwidth.

Computer Networking Technology