Bit = Info that has been expressed either as 1s or 0s.

Byte = A group of 8-binary bits.

Open Systems Interconnection

The OSI seven-layer model is a guideline, a template that breaks down how a network functions, into seven parts called layers.

Network Interface Card

Serves as the interface between the PC and the network.

Network Operating System

(Windows, Linux, Mac OS)

International Organization for Standardization.

They proposed the seven-layer model.

Media Access Control address.

Special firmware, burned onto the NIC's ROM chip, contains an unique identifier with a 48-bit value, called the MAC.

Cyclic Redundancy Check

Special info attached at the end of the "frame," that the receiving NIC uses to verify that the data arrived is intact.

Internet Protocol

1) The primary protocol used by TCP

2) Makes sure that a piece of data gets to where it needs to be on the network, and does this by giving each device on the network a unique numerical identifier, called an IP Address.

HyperText Transfer Protocol

1) The data transfer protocol used on the World Wide Web.

2) lays out the rules for various machines to be able to communicate with each other via the web.

3) Most pages are written in HTML, which is passed around using the common protocol: HTTP.

File Transfer Protocol

A standard for the exchange of program and data files across a network.

Transmission Control Protocol

The chief network protocol used to define how networks communicate.

TCP is really several network protocols designed to work together.

User Datagram Protocol

One of 4 protocols that make up the TCP/IP suite.

Internet Control Message Protocol

1 of 4 protocols that define the TCP/IP suite.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection.

A set of rules determining how networks respond when two devices attempt to use a data channel simultaneously (called a "collision").

Standard Ethernet Networks use CSMA/CD to physically monitor the traffic on the line.

Local Area Network

Multiple computer connected to each other on 1 small, local network.

Wide Area Network

Many networks connected together over a large area.

Metropolitan Area Network

A network spanning a physical network larger than a LAN, but smaller than a WAN.

Typically owned/operated by a single entity (company, gov).

Unshielded Twisted Pair

The most common type of network cabling used today.