| A | B |
|---|
| network | A collection of computers and devices connected together. |
| local area (LAN) | a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area. |
| wireless LAN (WLAN) | a LAN that uses no physical wires. |
| metropolitan area network (MAN) | a network that connects computers and devices in a city or town. |
| wide area (WAN) | a network that covers a large geographic area (city, country, or the world) |
| Client-Server | Architecture where one or more computers acts as a server and provides services to a client. |
| Server | A host computer that provides some type of service. |
| Client | Computers and mobile devices on a network that rely on the server for its resources. |
| Peer-to-Peer | A small simple network where each computer has equal responsibilities & and capabilities |
| Internet Peer-to-Peer (P2P) | Also known as a file sharing network because it allows users to access each other's hard disks and share files directly over the Internet. |
| Network topology | The layout of the computers and devices: star, bus & ring are common examples. |
| Star network topology | All the devices on a network connect to a central device. |
| Bus network topology | Consists of a single central cable to which all devices connect. |
| Ring network topology | A cable forms a closed loop with all devices arranged along the ring. |
