1.

Network

A network is a collection of interconnected devices that can communicate with each other. These devices
can include computers, servers, switches, routers, and other networking hardware.

2. IP Address

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier assigned to each device connected to a network. It
allows devices to locate and communicate with each other. There are two versions:

 IPv4: Uses a 32-bit address format (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

 IPv6: Uses a 128-bit address format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).

3. MAC Address

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC)
for communications on the physical network segment. It is a 48-bit address typically represented as six
pairs of hexadecimal digits (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).

4. Router

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It routes traffic
from one network to another, typically from a local network to the internet.

5. Switch

A switch is a networking device that connects devices within the same network. It uses MAC addresses
to forward data only to the specific device for which the data is intended, improving network efficiency.

6. Firewall

A firewall is a security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on
predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted
external networks.

7. LAN (Local Area Network)

A LAN is a network that spans a relatively small area, such as a single building or a group of buildings. It
connects devices in close proximity to share resources and information.

8. WAN (Wide Area Network)

A WAN is a network that covers a broad area, often connecting multiple LANs over long distances. The
internet is the largest and most well-known example of a WAN.

9. DNS (Domain Name System)

DNS is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system for computers, services, or other resources
connected to the internet or a private network. It translates human-friendly domain names (e.g.,
www.example.com) into IP addresses.

10. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

DHCP is a network management protocol used to automate the process of configuring devices on IP
networks. It dynamically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to each
device on the network.

11. Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate of data transfer across a given path. It is typically measured in
bits per second (bps).

12. Latency

Latency is the time it takes for a data packet to travel from the source to the destination. It is usually
measured in milliseconds (ms).

13. Subnet

A subnet (short for subnetwork) is a segmented piece of a larger network. Subnets help organize
networks and improve efficiency by limiting broadcast traffic and managing IP address allocation.

14. Gateway

A gateway is a network point that acts as an entrance to another network. In a home network, the
gateway is often a router that connects the local network to the internet.

15. Protocol

A protocol is a set of rules and conventions for communication between network devices. Common
protocols include:

 TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Ensures reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of
data between applications.

 UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Provides a connectionless datagram service that emphasizes
low-latency and low-overhead transmission.

 HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The foundation of data communication on the World Wide
Web.

 FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Used for transferring files between computers on a network.

Understanding these basic networking terminologies is crucial for anyone involved in networking or
studying to become a network professional.