Networking Basics

• A network is a collection of interconnected computing devices, linked either wirelessly or via wired connections.
• Data constitutes raw facts and figures.
• Data packets are small, packaged units of data designed for network transmission.
• Sustainability in networking refers to building a network that's easy to maintain long-term.
• "Fit for Purpose" describes something well-suited and designed for its intended use.
• An active internet connection indicates a device has a working connection to the internet.
• High bandwidth refers to a connection capable of transmitting and receiving a large volume of data quickly.
• Interference occurs when electronic signals disrupt data transmissions.
• Network topology is a diagram illustrating how devices connect in a network, including hardware.

Network Types

• Personal Area Network (PAN): A small network connecting devices like wearables to smartphones or computers.
• Local Area Network (LAN): A network within a small geographical area, like a building.
• Server: A powerful computer providing services like file storage, user management, and email access to a network.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): A network spanning a large area, such as a city or country.
• Internet Service Provider (ISP): A company offering internet access and equipment to connect LANs to WANs.

Hardware & Network Components

• Hardware: The physical, tangible parts of a computer.
• Router: A hardware device that connects different networks.
• Network switch: A device that creates a wired network by connecting devices.
• Network Interface Card (NIC): A component in network-connected devices, featuring a unique MAC address.
• MAC Address: A unique identifier number in a NIC for each device on a network.
• Wireless Access Point: A device enabling Wi-Fi connections to a network.
• File Server: A server dedicated to storing and sharing user files on a network.
• Firewall: A security system monitoring network traffic to ensure safe data transmission.
• Network Traffic: The volume of data moving through a network
• Terminator: A component that absorbs signals at the end of a network cable to prevent signal reflection.

Network Issues

• Colliding: When data packets bump into each other during transmission, causing errors or data loss.
• Ring Topology: A network structure where devices are connected in a closed loop or ring.
• Star Topology: A network setup where each device connects to a central switch.

Protocols

• Protocol: A set of rules governing data transfer between devices.
• Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP): A protocol for data transfer between devices.
• IP Address: A unique numerical identifier assigned to each computer on a network.
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): A protocol for communicating with web servers.
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS): A secure, encrypted version of HTTP.
• Domain Name: The part of a URL that specifies an internet location, like google.com.

Network Concepts

• Scalability: The ability of a network to expand by adding more devices.
• Cyber-attack: An attempt to gain unauthorized network access for data theft or damage.
• Administrator: An account with top-level access for managing users and settings.
• Cloud Computing: Using internet servers for computing services.
• Online Storage Services: Storing files on internet-based servers.
• Network Operating System (NOS): A system with tools for network management and administration.
• Operating System: Software managing computer hardware and software, serving as a user interface.
• Utilities software: Software that helps maintain a device's smooth functioning.
• Software: Programs instructing a computer on what to do.
• Device Driver: A program that operates hardware connected to a computer.
• Defragmentation: Reorganizing stored files for better efficiency.
• Hard Disk Drive: A removable storage device for data storage.
• User Management: Adding or removing users from a network.
• Virus Scanning: Checking files for malicious content.
• Backup: Copying files to another location as a precaution against data loss.
• Encryption: Converting information into a scrambled, secure format.
• Remotely: Connecting to a network from a different location via the internet.
• Bit: A binary digit, represented by 0 or 1.
• Binary data: Data represented using 0s and 1s.
• Hacker: Someone who attempts unauthorized access to a system.
• Parity-checking: An error-checking method used for transmitted data.
• Byte: A unit of data consisting of 8 bits.
• Parity Bit: An extra bit added to data to detect errors.
• Dataset: A collection of related data that a computer can process.
• Table: Data arranged in rows and columns.
• Character: A single letter, digit, or symbol.
• Brute-force attack: A hacking method that tries numerous password combinations.
• Two-factor authentication: A login process requiring two verification steps.
• Fingerprint recognition: A security system using fingerprints for user identification.
• Facial Recognition: A system authenticating users by matching facial images with stored data.
• Authenticate: To verify user details before granting system access.
• Plaintext: Unencrypted, readable text.
• Protocol: Agreed-upon rules for communication between computers.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ability of a system to learn and adapt.
• Machine Learning: A computer's ability to improve its performance over time through learning.
• Two-Dimensional Parity Check: A more advanced method for identifying errors in data.
• Parity Byte: A byte added to data for validation purposes.
• Block: A sequence of 0s and 1s.
• Command Line: A text-based interface for navigating an OS by typing commands.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): A visual interface for interacting with software.
• Bus Topology: A network setup where all devices share a single central cable.
• Biometric Security: A security system using physical attributes like fingerprints or gestures.