Computer Network

Set of computers connected together for the purpose of sharing resources.

Packet

Piece of message transmitted over a packet-switching network. Also known as datagrams

Node

Anything that is connected to the network

Local Area Network (LAN)

A computer network that spans a relatively small area.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A computer network that spans a relatively large area.

Media Access Control (MAC)

Physical address of any device, usually 6 bits long

IP Address

Unique string of numbers to help identify each computer on the internet to communicate over a network

Bus Topology

Topogoly for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which all the nodes are connected to a single cable. The cable to which the nodes connect is called a "backbone". If the backbone is broken, the entire segment fails.

Ring Topology

 A network configuration in which device connections create a circular data path. Each networked device is connected to two others, like points on a circle.

Token ring network/ Network Token

 A local area network (LAN) in which all computers are connected in a ring or star topology and pass one or more logical tokens from host to host. Only a host that holds a token can send data, and tokens are released when receipt of the data is confirmed

Star Topology 

A topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which all nodes are individually connected to a central connection point, like a hub or a switch.

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 to transmitting data between two devices

Peer-to-Peer Architecture

Often referred to simply as peer-to-peer, or abbreviated P2P, a type of network in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities.

Client-server architecture

Client-server architecture (client/server) is a network architecture in which each computer or process on the network is either a client or a server.