Computer networksLesson 2 of 2 in the course Network models and layering

Computer Networking Foundations: Media, Protocols, Topologies, and Security

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces what computer networks are, how hosts communicate, and how networking developed from early experiments into the foundations of the Internet.

A computer network is a group of communicating computers and peripherals, called hosts, that exchange data using communication protocols. Networking hardware helps move that data between hosts. Networks make it possible to share information and services rather than keeping each computer isolated.

All flashcards

What is a hostname?
A memorable label for a host that can be mapped to a network address.
What does a repeater do?
It regenerates a weakened or noisy signal so it can travel farther.
What is an overlay network?
A virtual network built on top of another network, with links that use paths through the underlying network.
What is end-to-end encryption?
A way to protect data so it is encrypted by the sender and decrypted only by the intended recipient.
What is a network's topology?
The pattern of interconnections among its nodes.

Quiz questions

  1. Which transmission medium carries data as pulses of light and resists electrical interference?Answer: Optical fiber
  2. What does DHCP help networked devices obtain?Answer: A valid IP address
  3. How does an Ethernet switch typically decide where to forward a frame?Answer: It uses the destination MAC address.
  4. What is TLS in relation to SSL?Answer: The modern successor to SSL
  5. What may occur when a network link receives more traffic than it can handle?Answer: Queues may grow, increasing delay, and full queues may drop packets.

Based on the Wikipedia article Computer network, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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