| A | B |
|---|
| Bridge | A special computer that connects one local area network to another. |
| Client | A computer that uses the services of another program. |
| Client/server network | Computer configuration in which one or more computers on the network act as a server. |
| Communications channel | Link from one computer to another through which the data can be transmitted. |
| Extranet | A network configuration that allows selected outside organizations to access internal information systems. |
| Gateway | A combination of software and hardware that links two different types of networks that use different protocols or rules to exchange messages. |
| Hub | A junction where information arrives from connected computers or peripheral devices and is then forwarded in one or more directions to other computers and devices. |
| Intranet | A network designed for the exclusive use of computer users within an organization that cannot be accessed by users outside the organization. |
| Network interface cards | Add-on cards for computers in a network that enable and control the sending and receiving of data in a network. |
| NIC | Add-on cards for computers in a network that enable and control the sending and receiving of data in a network. |
| Peer-to-peer network | Computer architecture in which all of the computers on a network are equal, and there is no computer designated as the server. |
| Router | A device that directs traffic on a network by dividing data into smaller packets that travel by different routes and then are reassembled at their destination. |
| Server | A computer that handles requests for data, e-mail, file transfers, and other network services from other computers (clients). |
| Transmission media | Media used to transmit data from one device to another; may be wireless or physical. |
