Some Internet Verbiage
Terms and Concepts
Host
a type of node that requires an IP address
All hosts are nodes, but not all nodes are hosts.
Node
A device capable of sending/receiving info, such as a phone, computer, router, printer, etc.
Hub
A device that other device traffic are routed through; a node that serves as a connection point for other nodes.
Switch
A switch is a device → node → hub → something more
a switch is a hub (the connection point for devices in a network) that records the addresses of the devices connected to, reads the destination address, and sends that traffic to the appropriate device/node rather than sending it to all the connected computers. If the destination address is not recorded, the switch sends the traffic to all the connected computers.
Router
A router is a device → node → hub → switch → something more
a computing node/hub/switch with a user interface designed to understand, manipulate, and direct traffic.
The two main types of integrated routers: wired (e.g., for networks using Ethernet broadband) and wireless (e.g., for Wi-Fi networks).
Links
connect nodes
can be wired (Ethernet) or cable-free (WiFi)
can be point-to-point or “one-to-one” (Node A to Node B)
can be multipoint or “one-to-many” (Node A to Node B and Node C)
Protocol
mutually agreed upon set of rules between nodes, enabling exchange between them
a set of rules governing syntax, semantics, and synchronization
syntax
what can be communicated
semantics
how it can be communicated
synchronization
when and at what speed it can be communicated
Networks
nodes (devices) that are linked (connected) with protocol (ability to exchange info with one another)
nodes, links between nodes, and protocols that govern data transmission between nodes.
Types
LAN, WLAN, HAN, CAN, MAN, WAN, BAN, or VPN
LAN
“local area network”; network of a group of devices in “local” area (e.g. the same building)
often use Ethernet cables, which have length limitations, as the speed of the connection degrades as length increases
WLAN
wireless LAN; uses WiFi through the use of a wireless router.
HAN
“home area network”; a type of LAN for computers, smartphones, game consoles, televisions, and home assistants connected to the home router
CAN
“campus area network”; usually comprises several LANs connecting several buildings to the main firewall
MAN
“metropolitan area network”; links multiple LANs (e.g. a citywide WiFi network)
WAN
“wide area network”; covers any distance necessary (e.g. the entire Internet)
VPN
“virtual private network”; a link of nodes/devices by non-physical means
nodes/devices connected through a VPN could be anywhere
PAN
“personal area network”; a network of nodes/devices no more than ~10 yards apart (e.g. Bluetooth)
BAN
“body area network”; the lowest-range wireless communication (e.g. smartwatches, surgically implanted medical devices, and fitness armbands)
NAN
“near-me network”; nodes similar enough in protocol and close enough in proximity that they are informally connected regardless of their individual means of network (cellular, WiFi, wired connection; etc)
Topology
the description of configuration; how nodes and links fit together in a network; a diagram