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Network Components

Data

It is the information stored and processed by a computer.

Node

Every device on a network which has a unique logical address or IP.

Client

A client is a node which takes services from another node.

Server

A server is a node which provides its services to another node.

Peer to Peer Network.

A peer is a computer which has equal rights. No need for a server. It promotes peer to peer network

Network Adapter or NIC

NIC Network interface card enables the computer to send or receive data to or from the network. It may be wireless or wire.

HUB.

It is a central device to connect computers. It is a layer one device (OSI Layer). It broadcast data to all connected nodes.

Switch.

It is layer two device. More intelligent than a HUB.

Router.

It is layer three device. It connects the network.

Protocol.

Here we consider internet protocol. Use to communicate on the internet.
IPZ
SPX
NetBEUI
Appletalk
Kermit
UUCP
NetWare
IPv4
IPv6

Data rate.

It is the measurement of data transfer in a second. Units are bps, Kbps, Mbps, Gbps.

Bandwidth.

It is the maximum rate of data transfer. Units are bps, Kbps, Mbps, Gbps.

Network.

When two or more computers are connected in the limited geographical area. The basic purpose is to share their resources and information.

Internet.

It is a network of Networks. It is not managed by a single organization.

Intranet.

It is a private computer network or a website which is mainly designed for selected employee or individuals. An authentication is required to access the resources. It is a part of the internet.

Extranet.

It is also a part of the internet. It is an extension of intranet using world wide web.

Firewall.

It is a setup (Software or Hardware) designed to protect your computer.(Stop unauthorized access).

VPN Virtual Private Network.

It is used to connect an external host to a corporate internal network.