1 Network Fundamentals Free Online FlashCards

What is a computer network?

A group of connected devices that exchange information and share resources.

What is a personal area network (PAN)?

A network connecting devices around one person, such as a phone and wireless earbuds.

What does a router do?

A router connects IP networks and forwards traffic between them.

What is a network communication medium?

The path or means through which network data travels, such as copper cable, fiber-optic cable, or radio waves.

How does packet switching send a message?

A method that divides a message into packets, forwards them toward a destination, and reassembles them at the receiving system.

What delivery guarantees does IP provide?

IP provides addressing and delivery between networks, but does not guarantee packet arrival, order, or one-time delivery.

How does TCP support reliable, ordered delivery?

TCP provides transport services such as retransmission and sequencing for reliable, ordered delivery.

How do bandwidth and throughput differ?

Bandwidth is a link’s maximum data-carrying capacity; throughput is the rate of data successfully delivered in practice.

What area does a LAN serve?

A network serving a limited area, such as a home, office, school, or campus.

What is a wide area network (WAN)?

A network that connects users or networks across larger geographic distances.

What makes a LAN a wireless LAN (WLAN)?

A LAN that uses radio communication for some or all device connections.

What is a switch typically used for?

A switch typically connects devices within a LAN.