Network Terms

Twisted-Pair Cable
Twisted-pair cables is a type of wiring that consists of two cables that is twisted together to cancel out Eloctromagnetic Interference (EMI) from external sources. Most networks contain some twisted-pair cabling at some point along the network while twisted-pair cable is used by older telephone networks and is the least expensive type of LAN cable.

Coaxial Cable
A type of wire that consists of a center wire surrounded by insulation and then a grounded shield of braided wire. The shield minimizes electrical and radio frequency interference. Coaxial cable (or "coax") is the most common cable used for transmitting video signals. The name "coaxial" refers to the common axis of the two conductors. It is widely used for computer networking as it is much less susceptible to interference and can carry much more data.

Fiber-Optic Cable
Fiber-Optic cable is a technology that uses glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves. The main disadvantage of fiber optics is that the cables are expensive to install. In addition, they are more fragile than wire and are difficult to splice.

Node
Node is a region in an electrical circuit where there is no change in potential. Node is also a connection point, either a redistribution point or an end point for data transmissions. In general, a node has programmed or engineered capability to recognize and process or forward transmissions to other nodes.

Client
A client is an application or system that accesses a remote service on another computer system, known as a server, by way of a network. The term was first applied to devices that were not capable of running their own stand-alone programs, but could interact with remote computers via a network. These dumb terminals were clients of the time-sharing mainframe computer.

Server
A server is an application running on a computer that delivers a service. For example, a web server will deliver web pages when requested by a browser (called client in this context). The way a server and a client dialogs is called a protocol. For instance, HTTP is the protocol used between a browser and a web server. Among the many services provided by the Internet servers are:
1) World Wide Web
2) the domain name system
3) e-mail
4) FTP file transfer
5) chat and instant messaging
6) voice communication
7) streaming audio and video
8) online gaming


Hub
Hub is a common connection point for devices in a network and commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. It also contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port, it is copied to the other ports so that all segments of the LAN can see all packets.


Network Interface Card ( NIC)
NIC is an expansion board you insert into a computer so the computer can be connected to a network. Most NICs are designed for a particular type of network, protocol, and media, although some can serve multiple networks.

Network Operating System (NOS)
NOS is a network operating system. A network operating system implements protocol stacks as well as device drivers for networking hardware. Some network operating systems, like Windows 98 Second Edition, also add custom networking features like Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).

Host Computer


Network Manager