1.3 – Computer networks, connections and protocols

A group of connected devices - such as computers

A Local Area Network covering a small geographical area like a school

A Wide Area Network covering a wide geographical area like the internet or global company - usually made up of multiple LANs - often slower than LANs and higher cost per byte

Maximum amount of data transmitted over a network in a given time - higher bandwidth allows faster data transfer

More devices share available bandwidth - can slow connections if bandwidth is limited

A network model where servers provide resources and services to client devices - servers do most processing - clients request resources from servers

A network model where all devices are equal - each device can act as client and server - no central server - files shared directly between devices

Hardware that allows devices to connect to a network wirelessly using radio signals

Device connecting two or more networks - allows LANs to connect to the internet

Device connecting multiple devices on a network - sends data only to the intended recipient device

Network Interface Controller - hardware inside a device that allows network connection - converts data to signals for transmission

Physical or wireless method used to carry data around a network - e.g.

A network of smaller computer networks - allows devices worldwide to communicate and share data

Domain Name System - converts URLs like www.example.com

Storing website files on a server to make them accessible online

Server that stores and provides access to web pages - responds to requests from clients like browsers

Using remote servers via the internet to store files or run software - accessible from anywhere with internet

Accessible anywhere - no need to manage hardware

Requires internet - data may be less secure - subscription costs - less control over software/data

Network where each device connects directly to a central switch - switch delivers data only to intended recipient

Direct packet delivery - easy to add/remove devices - no collisions on cables - failure of one cable does not affect others

Each cable has only one device - central switch failure stops communication

Each device connected to multiple other devices - data takes most efficient path - can be passed through other devices