A network is the name given to two or more computers connected together with the ability to
transmit data between them. There are two main types of networks: LANs and WANs.
LANs are networks spread over a small geographical area or single site. A WAN is a network that is
spread over a large geographical area, often used for large corporations with offices in multiple
locations.
Physical topology – physical layout of wires and components e.g., bus
Logical topology – layout to show how the data flows
A protocol is a set of rules defining how two computers communicate with each other. Protocols are
standard so that all devices have a designated method of communicating with each other, regardless
of manufacturer.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) – used for web page rendering, an encrypted version HTTPS is
becoming more common
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) – this is a networking protocol used in the
routing of packets through networks
The Internet is a network of networks which allows computers on opposite sides of the globe to
communicate with each other. Continents are connected together using large international
backbone cables, many of which actually pass underwater.
TCP/IP is a stack of networking protocols that work together passing packets during communication.
A WAN will usually require extra telecommunication hardware. The largest WAN is the internet,
made up of a series of smaller networks.
DNS – domain name system is the system used to name and organise internet resources.
Domain names are much easier to remember than IP addresses, which is why they are used to link
servers across the world. The role of the DNS is to translate these domain names into IP addresses
when are wish to access a website.
Packets are segments of data. They contain various information, such as sender and recipient IP
addresses, protocols used, order of the packets and time to live.
A Network Interface Card is the card required to connect a device to a network. It is usually built into
the device and assigns a unique media access control (MAC) address to each device. The MAC
address is a 48-bit address coded into the device and is usually written as a 12-digit hexadecimal
number.
Switch – it directs the flow of data across a network
Wireless access point – allows a device to connect to a network, more commonly combined with a
router to enable internet access
Router – connects two or more networks together, also allow private home networks to connect to
the Internet
Client-server – consists of terminals known as clients connected to a server, which is a powerful,
central computer. The server holds all of the important information and resources and has greater
processing power than the terminals. Clients can request to use the server.
transmit data between them. There are two main types of networks: LANs and WANs.
LANs are networks spread over a small geographical area or single site. A WAN is a network that is
spread over a large geographical area, often used for large corporations with offices in multiple
locations.
Physical topology – physical layout of wires and components e.g., bus
Logical topology – layout to show how the data flows
A protocol is a set of rules defining how two computers communicate with each other. Protocols are
standard so that all devices have a designated method of communicating with each other, regardless
of manufacturer.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) – used for web page rendering, an encrypted version HTTPS is
becoming more common
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) – this is a networking protocol used in the
routing of packets through networks
The Internet is a network of networks which allows computers on opposite sides of the globe to
communicate with each other. Continents are connected together using large international
backbone cables, many of which actually pass underwater.
TCP/IP is a stack of networking protocols that work together passing packets during communication.
A WAN will usually require extra telecommunication hardware. The largest WAN is the internet,
made up of a series of smaller networks.
DNS – domain name system is the system used to name and organise internet resources.
Domain names are much easier to remember than IP addresses, which is why they are used to link
servers across the world. The role of the DNS is to translate these domain names into IP addresses
when are wish to access a website.
Packets are segments of data. They contain various information, such as sender and recipient IP
addresses, protocols used, order of the packets and time to live.
A Network Interface Card is the card required to connect a device to a network. It is usually built into
the device and assigns a unique media access control (MAC) address to each device. The MAC
address is a 48-bit address coded into the device and is usually written as a 12-digit hexadecimal
number.
Switch – it directs the flow of data across a network
Wireless access point – allows a device to connect to a network, more commonly combined with a
router to enable internet access
Router – connects two or more networks together, also allow private home networks to connect to
the Internet
Client-server – consists of terminals known as clients connected to a server, which is a powerful,
central computer. The server holds all of the important information and resources and has greater
processing power than the terminals. Clients can request to use the server.
