Networks

An area connecting LANs over a large geographical area

Formats data from a computer according to the protocols of the network

• carries electric current • cheap • lower bandwidth

• pulses of light • more expensive • higher bandwidth

The measure of how much data that can be transferred every second

Allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using wifi

• high bandwidth • expensive for cabling • security is good • not mobile • no interference

• low bandwidth • cheap • poor security • signal can be affected by walls or congestion • very mobile

The physical layout of computers on a network.

• less cable length • can be set up quickly • security risks (everyone can see) • if cable breaks then all will be affected

• Less traffic • Security is better • One link fails the rest will work • Depends on server to be working • More cable needed

A set of numbers used to identify one particular device

The name that identifies a Web site.

A small block of data transmitted from one computer to another

Contains source and destination

Contains part of the complete message data

Informs device it has reached the end of packet and checks for errors

• Source computer splits file into packets • Packets sent using cables or microwaves • Routers inspect packet and decide best route • If there is a problem with network the packets will be diverted

Message broken down and sent over more suitable routes (assembled at the end)

Set of rules in order to perform and action

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

Selects correct protocol based on what you are trying to do

Creates link between two people and divides packets up

Sends and routes the data