Network Design Glossary
Client/server or two-tier network architecture - In a two-tier network, computers are designated servers or clients. Clients (also called workstations) run applications and rely on the servers for files, devices, and sometimes processing power.
Two-tier network architecture
Connection Devices - Hardware components used to connect various parts of a network.
- Bridge - Connects similar networks to form an internetwork and relieves overloaded networks. It works on the Data Link Layer of the OSI reference model.
- Gateway - Links two different types of networks such as a PC and Mac LAN. It works at the Network Layer of the OSI reference model
- Hub - Transfers a packet to all devices on a LAN without analyzing it. It works on the Physical Layer of the OSI model.
- Repeater - Regenerates signals between similar networks. It works at the Physical Layer of the OSI model.
- Router - Connects any number of different LANs. Using protocols, a router can determine where packets should go and figure out the best route to get there. It works at the Network Layer of the OSI reference model.
- Switch - Filters, analyzes, and forwards a packet between various LAN segments. LANs that use switches are called switched LANs or switched Ethernet LANs.
Ethernet - A LAN standard for transmitting data between nodes on a network. Ethernet is used in a star or bus topology. There are three types: regular (10BaseT, 10Base-2, 10Base-5), Fast Ethernet (100Base-T), or Gigabit Ethernet.
Local Area Network (LAN) - A network of computers and devices located close to each other. LANs usually connect no more than 100 computers.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - A network of computers within the same geographic area, such as a city.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - A network of computers within the same geographic area, such as a city.
Peer-to-Peer networks - A type of network where all computers store their own information and have comparable resources and responsibilities. A peer-to-peer network works best in a small environment and is usually inefficient for a network of 10 or more computers.
OSI (Open System Interconnection) Reference Model - A model that divides network activities, equipment, and protocols into seven layers. OSI is the standard for network design developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO).
Peer-to-Peer networks - A type of network where all computers store their own information and have comparable resources and responsibilities. A peer-to-peer network works best in a small environment and is usually inefficient for a network of 10 or more computers.
Any given layer communicates with the layer above it, below it, and its peer layers on the network.
Server - A powerful computer that manages network resources. There are many types of servers:
- File server - Stores files.
- PPrint server - Manages printers.
- Network server - Manages network traffic.
- Database server - Manages data queries.
- Proxy server - A server that manages traffic between a client application, such as a web browser, and a real server. It looks at requests from the client application and either fulfills them or forwards them to the real server. Proxy servers can be used to save time in fulfilling certain requests and to filter network traffic.
- Secure server - A web server that uses a web security protocol, such as SSL.
Terminator - A resistor used to ground each end of an Ethernet cable. Terminators are used in bus topologies.
Three-tier architecture - A type of network that contains three layers: workstations that run a user interface, a middle layer that runs applications, and a database management layer that stores data needed by the application layer.
Topologies - The geometric arrangement of devices on a network.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) - A network that uses public wires and security protocols to allow private communication between remote nodes.
Wide Area Network (WAN) - A network of computers and devices connected to each other over large distances.
COMMON ACRONYMS
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) - A protocol that transfers network data in fixed-size packets with variable time intervals.
DNS (Domain Name System) - Translates Internet domain names into IP addresses.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) - The protocol used to communicate between web browsers and web servers.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) - A digital phone line allowing faster data transfer than analog lines.
MAC (Media Access Control) - A unique address assigned to each Ethernet device by its manufacturer.
NIC (Network Interface Card) - A hardware component that converts data between an individual computer and the outside network.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) - The most common Internet security protocol. Uses a private key to encrypt confidential data.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - A protocol that ensures that packets reach their destinations. It is paired with IP (Internet Protocol) for most Internet connections.
TTL (Time to Live) - The time a packet will remain active on a network.