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Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-techies (Section 1)

Terms in this set (15)

network
two connected computers sharing resources with one another
A network is composed of two main aspects:
1. Physical connection (wires, cables, wireless media)
2. Logical connection (data transporting across the physical media)
Basic networking rules: protocols
the computers in a network must use the same procedures for sending and receiving data
Basic networking rules: Data must be delivered ____. If it is ____, it is useless. (With exceptions)
uncorrupted, corrupted.
Basic networking rules: Computers in a network must be capable of determining the ___ and ___ of a piece of information
origin, destination

i.e. its IP and Mac address
Client-server network
- Network is composed of clients and servers

- Servers provide resources, clients receive resources

- Servers provide centralized control over network resources
Peer-to-peer network
- All computers on network are peers

- No dedicated servers

- No centralized control over shared resources

- Any individual machine can share its resources as it pleases

- All computers on network can act as either a client (receive resources) or a server (provide resources)
Local Area Network (LAN)
A computer network within a small geographical area, like a single room, building or group of buildings
Campus Area Network (CAN)
A computer network of multiple interconnected LANs in a limited geographical area, such as a corporation, gov agency, or university campus.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A computer network that interconnects users with computer resources in a city
(Larger than CAN, smaller than wide area network)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A computer network that extends over a large geographical distance, typically multiple cities and countries

ex.) Company with headquarters in Texas, but has offices in California, Montana, and Virginia
physical protocols
describes the medium (writing), the connections (RJ-45 port), and the signal (voltage level on a wire).
logical protocols
software controlling how and when data is sent and received to computers, supporting physical protocols.
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model
a conceptual framework showing us how data moves throughout a network

* Not implemented in the real world, and is only a reference model
OSI Model Stack
Breaks down the complex task of computer-to-computer network communications into 7 layers

- Upper layers (Host layers): handled by host computer and performs application-specific functions

- Lower layers (media layers): provide network-specific functions
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