Glossary of Terms

Introduction to networking

Keyword Definition
DNS Domain Name System – a system used to translate human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.1) that computers can understand.
Ethernet A widely used technology for wired LANs that allows devices to communicate with each other.
Firewall A network security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
IP Address A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.
LAN A computer network that covers a small area, typically within a single building or office.
Networking The practice of connecting computers and other devices together to share information and resources.
Protocol A set of rules and procedures governing the transmission of data between devices on a computer network.
Router A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
Switch A networking device that forwards packets on network using MAC addresses.
WAN Wide Area Network – a computer network that covers a large geographical area, typically spanning multiple locations and using public or private communication links.