Networking Introduction

• A computer network is a system of computers, network devices, printers, and software linked by communications cabling
• The Internet is a collection of thousands of smaller networks around the globe linked by an array of network equipment and communications methods
• The World Wide Web (Web) is a vast network of servers throughout the world that provide access to voice, text, video, and data files
• A node is any device connected to a network, such as a microcomputer, a mainframe, a minicomputer, network equipment, or a printer
• Communications media are the cabling or radio waves used to connect one network computer to another and to transport data between them
• Spread spectrum technology (SST) is used by wireless networks in place of cable for communications between network nodes. Network data is transmitted by means of reliable high-frequency radio signals
• A client computer is one that accesses a mainframe, a minicomputer, or a microcomputer that allows access to multiple users
• A host has an operating system that allows multiple computers (clients) to access it at the same time
• A workstation has its own CPU and may be used as a stand-alone computer for local software applications
• A file server is a single network computer that offers multi-user access by making software applications, data files, and network utilities available to other network computers
• A network hub is a node that broadcasts data to every computer or Ethernet-based device connected to it.
• A network switch forwards data between devices, unlike routers, which forward data between networks.
• A router is a device that connects two or more packet-switched networks or subnetworks.
• network interface card (NIC) is an adapter card that enables a workstation, file server, printer, or other device to connect to a network and communicate with other network nodes.
• A packet is a unit of data formatted for transmission over a network.
• Frame refers to the packet format or contents