Networking Terms and Definitions
The following terms concerning networking are used throughout this website.
Take this Glossary link to the Educator's Guide to Networking site for more terms!
Hub:
- Think of it as an electrical extension cord with ports; used for computers in a network to broadcast over the local area network and abroad on the Internet
ISP:
- Internet Service Provider; a company that provides Internet connection hardware and wiring for a monthly cost
NIC:
- Network Interface Card; each PC in a network must have this card installed in it to communicate with the hub or switch and thus the other computers in the network or another network
Router:
- hardware that boosts performance and increases security by isolating the network in which it is installed from other networks
Server:
- a PC dedicated to storing, retrieving, and sending information for clients in a client-server network
Switch:
- Similar to a hub, but more advanced, boosting performance by reducing network traffic; transmission from on PC sent only to those in the network who are communicating
WAP:
- Wireless Access Point; the receiving and sending port which sends a signal to and from the wireless network adapter in a wireless networked computer
LAN:
- Local Area Network--A network connecting computers within a small physical space such as a building
WAN:
- Wide Area Network--a network connecting computers over a wider area (multiple locations) than a few kilometers
CAT5:
- Category 5 wiring; a standard of quality cabling for network connections; consists of 4 pair of twisted wires with connectors on the ends
TCP/IP:
- Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; the communication standard for sending and receiving information on the Internet
MAC:
- Media Access Control; unique identifier permanently burned into the NIC
Ethernet:
- technology currently used in LANs; broadcasts information communications to all networked PCs
Last Updated 3/29/04
Dustin Wilder
Student, University at Albany