Network Design Center

HOW TO DRAW NETWORK DIAGRAMS

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.