There are different types of devices including computers, mobiles, printers, televisions and lots more that make use of network connectivity to exchange information and access online resources. Terminologies like LAN, WAN, IP address, DNS, router, modem, bandwidth and Ethernet may be used when setting up your wireless connectivity or while solving any network related problems.
Below are definitions of different networking terminologies in simple terms. Simple computer networking terminologies will not only help you in configuring your devices but will also help you understand networking instructions and settings.
Computer networks allow several computers to communicate and exchange information. Networks can vary in size from smaller networks connecting computers within an establishment to larger networks that connect computers across cities or even across countries.
The following are some networking terms.
A home Wi-Fi network is one common example of a LAN. Your laptop, smartphone, smart television, and printer can all become devices on that local network.
A WAN covers a much greater distance. The internet itself connects a very large number of networks around the world.
While trying to get the LAN WAN definition, bear in mind that the key distinction between the two is their geographical range. While LAN means a small-scale local network, WAN means large-scale connectivity between networks.
Routers and modems are some of the most common networking hardware. Despite these two devices often being found in one device, their operations are different.
Having some knowledge of basic router and modem vocabulary is important during the setup of an internet connection since the vocabulary will be applied in the instructions.
While the modem will make the connection to the network of the service provider, the router will ensure distribution of the connection to the connected devices.
For instance, your internet connection can enter the house via the modem. Laptops, mobile phones, printers, televisions, and other devices can be connected through the router.
The Internet Service Providers may give you one device which acts as both the modem and the router.
For the computer devices to recognize each other, they require some techniques to do so. Various networking methods come into play here.
When accessing a website, your computer usually doesn't ask for the numerical IP address of the website. The DNS enables the computer to convert the domain name into something that the computer will understand in order to find the correct location.
An IP address enables the devices to recognize the place the network information needs to be sent.
The DHCP is usually used by the routers in order to automatically allocate network information to computers, smartphones, printers, and any other connected devices.
Knowing these terms is very important while making a glossary of networks because IP addresses, DNS, DHCP, and gateways often come up in computer and router configurations.
There are two types of technology used to establish the connection of a device to the network.
Wi-Fi is usually used in laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, Smart TVs, and other devices. Ethernet is usually used if a physical network cable is preferred.
In order to establish a connection using Wi-Fi between your laptop or phone and the Internet, you should pick up the right SSID and write down the proper password.
An Ethernet requires either an Ethernet port or an adapter, with which a proper wire can be used.
It is convenient to work with Wi-Fi because your gadget will not always require to be connected to the router physically. Ethernet is good to use for gadgets that do not move and are always connected using wires.
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, SSID, password, and signal strength are among the first network terms to learn when connecting your device to a network.
Several different words are used when discussing network performance and internet speed. Although these terms are related, they do not always mean exactly the same thing.
The process of downloading involves the movement of information toward your device. You perform this action when you access a website, download files, stream information from the Internet, or get information from an online service.
Upload refers to the transfer of information from your computer to another destination. Some actions like uploading files to a cloud or some forms of online communication can result in uploading.
Latency means delay. It can be the case that the speed of your Internet connection is very high, but you experience delays because of high latency.
Understanding these internet terms and definitions can help when comparing network connections or trying to determine why certain online activities feel slower than expected.
The Internet employs a few different technologies in order to help computers and websites communicate with each other. Some of these terms you will be likely to come across as you browse websites and connect to the Internet.
URL – Uniform Resource Locator: A name or an address identifying a specific resource on the Internet.
HTTP – Hypertext Transfer Protocol: The protocol employed by web clients and servers to communicate with one another.
HTTPS – Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure: Secure version of web communication utilizing modern security technologies.
Domain Name - A human-readable website name that is used instead of requiring users to remember a numerical IP address.
Browser - An application used to access and display websites and web-based services.
Firewall - A security system that can control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on configured rules.
VPN – Virtual Private Network: Technologies that allow creating an encrypted connection between the device and the endpoint of the VPN.
Proxy Server – The server which is used for acting as the middle man between the client and the network resource.
The terms are widely met during surfing on the web pages, setting up devices, reading about network security.
An internet dictionary will help if you meet such terms as HTTP, HTTPS, firewall, URL, proxy, DNS, etc. while browsing.
Moreover, it is necessary to note that there are some terms that may perform different tasks. For example, HTTPS is responsible for the protected connection with websites; meanwhile, the firewall is responsible for controlling the network traffic in accordance with the security rules.
Network troubleshooting instructions often contain specific terms that describe tests, settings, or connection problems.
As an illustration, troubleshooting a computer that can communicate with the router but fails to access any website may involve testing the internet connection, DNS setup, gateway details, and even browser settings.
If the device fails to establish a connection with the local network at all, you may be required to test Wi-Fi connection, the network cable, wireless signal strength, network adapter connection, or even presence of the router.
Understanding the definitions of troubleshooting terminology can help comprehend technical explanations better.
Computers may connect to networks in many different locations. The level of trust and the way a device is configured can differ depending on the type of network.
A private network can be described as a network that you are familiar with and that you own, such as a properly set-up home or office network.
A public network could be a network found in certain areas like airports, hotels, coffee shops, and other public areas.
Your operating system may have different options for sharing and detecting based on whether a network is public or private.
The common security practices concerning network can include the following:
Protect private Wi-Fi networks with passwords.
Do not share network credentials unnecessarily.
Update routers and devices that are part of a network.
Use secure websites if you have to enter sensitive information.
Check unknown devices that connect to your network if your router has this option.
Do not make changes to router settings if you do not understand what they are for.
Utilize properly configured security tools provided by your operating system and network hardware.
Passwords are just one of the elements of network security; there are others.
Networking is something that can appear rather complicated due to the fact that there are multiple technologies that are employed every time the device is connected to other computers or to Internet services.
By understanding basic concepts such as router, modem, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, LAN, WAN, IP address, DNS, bandwidth, and firewall, it will become much easier to comprehend various computer settings and troubleshooting procedures.
This knowledge can also come in handy when it comes to determining what kind of issue the user is facing – connection problem, wireless network problem, or problem with Internet service.
This list will be helpful any time one is faced with unfamiliar terms of networking when working on his/her computer, printer setup, Wi-Fi configuration, studying the router settings and troubleshooting steps.
When one gets to know the basics of the terms, more complex network ideas will be much easier to understand. Learn the most common terms first, their functions, and slowly move on to the networking process of computers.