A set of computers connected together for the purpose of sharing resources. The most common resource shared today is connection to the Internet.

A computer network that links devices within a building or group of adjacent buildings.

A network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by even a large local area network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by a wide area network (WAN).

Any telecommunications network or computer network that extends over a large geographical distance/place. Wide-area networks are often established with leased telecommunication circuits.

A private network that is contained within an enterprise. It may consist of many interlinked local area networks and also use leased lines in the wide area network. Typically, an intranet includes connections through one or more gateway computers to the outside Internet.

An intranet that can be partially accessed by authorized outside users, enabling businesses to exchange information over the Internet securely.

An encrypted connection over the Internet from a device to a network. The encrypted connection helps ensure that sensitive data is safely transmitted. It prevents unauthorized people from eavesdropping on the traffic and allows the user to conduct work remotely. VPN technology is widely used in corporate environments.

The connections (links, nodes, etc.) of a computer network. There are two main types of topology. Network topologies may be physical or logical. Physical topology means the physical design of a network including the devices, locations and cables.

A person or organization using the services of a lawyer or other professional person or company.

A person or thing that provides a service or commodity.

A large high-speed computer, especially one supporting numerous workstations or peripherals

A distributed application architecture that partitions tasks or workloads between peers. Peers are equally privileged, equipotent participants in the application. They are said to form a peer-to-peer network of nodes

A computer network for interconnecting devices centered on an individual person's workspace. A PAN provides data transmission among devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets and personal digital assistants.

A network equipment or computer networking devices, are physical devices which are required for communication and interaction between devices on a computer network. Specifically, they mediate data in a computer network.

A set of rules followed by the network. Network protocols are formal standards and policies made up of rules, procedures and formats that defines communication between two or more devices over a network.

Used to govern the connection of computer systems to the Internet.

A conceptual model that characterizes and standardizes the communication functions of a telecommunication or computing system without regard to its underlying internal structure and technology.

a network layout in which there is one main trunk or backbone, that all the various computers and network devices are connected to.

a network layout with one central node that has each computer or network device attached to the central node. All data first goes into the central node and then is sent out to its destination. (Think of it like a bicycle wheel with spokes.)

a network layout where the computers are connected on a loop or ring. Data flows in one direction considered a closed loop.

the protocol used for transmitting web pages over the Internet

Encrypts HTTP traffic with SSL or TLS using port 443.

An encryption layer of HTTP that uses public key cryptography to establish a secure connection.

The service that translates URLs to IP addresses.

the computer or network device that serves as an interface between devices and the network

a local area network that uses high-frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet.

A node on a network that serves as a portal to other networks also known as a bridge to two networks.

A device that uses its ports to connect devices (computers, printers, etc.)

A computer networking device that connects network segments

a device that forwards data packets between computer networks

uses a TCP-based network to pass files from host to host.

a common email protocol for retrieving email messages via the Internet. It stores messages on a server, enabling recipients to view them from any device or location.

an application layer email protocol used by local email clients to retrieve email from a remote server over a TCP/IP connection. It works on the following two ports by default: port 110: a default, non-encrypted port; and. port 995: which should be used when the user needs to connect using this protocol securely.

used by the POP3 protocol for unencrypted access to electronic mail. The port is intended for end-users to connect to a mail server to retrieve messages.

in computer networking represent communication endpoints. Ports are unsigned 16-bit integers (0-65535) that identify a specific process, or network service. IANA is responsible for internet protocol resources, including the registration of commonly used port numbers for well-known internet services. Well Known Ports: 0 through 1023. Registered Ports: 1024 through 49151. Dynamic/Private Ports: 49152 through 65535.

dedicated to POP3 using SSL/TLS encryption. This protocol lets email users download messages from an email server using an email client like Outlook or Gmail.

also known as FireWire is a serial interface connector introduced in 2000 for connecting digital devices. Apple's version of this standard, branded Firewire 400, has a data transfer rate of 400 Mbits/sec. Firewire 800 (IEEE 1394b) has a data transfer rate of 800 Mbits/sec.

used in most home and office networks to allow laptops, printers, smartphones, and other devices to communicate with each other and access the Internet without connecting wires. Wireless Ethernet standard is more commonly known as Wi-Fi.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers is an International organization with a focus on electrical, electronics, and information technology topics. These standards are well respected and followed by vendors around the world.

A LAN that uses wireless connections for some or all of its transmissions.

a network layout in every computer that connects to every other computer; no central connecting device is needed.