Networks

A LAN is a network that connects devices in a limited geographical area, such as a home, school, or office building. A common example is a home network connecting computers, smartphones, and printers via a router.

A router forwards data packets between different networks, allowing devices on a LAN to communicate with the internet or other networks. It determines the best path for data to travel.

A NIC is a hardware component that enables a computer to connect to a network. It provides the physical interface for network cables or wireless connections.

A protocol is a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received over a network. Protocols ensure that devices can communicate with each other effectively.

TCP/IP is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. It manages how data is packaged, addressed, transmitted, routed, and received.

A MAC address is a unique hardware address assigned to a network interface card, while an IP address is a logical address assigned to a device on a network for identification and routing purposes.

A switch connects multiple devices within a network, forwarding data packets only to the intended recipient based on their MAC address. This makes data transmission more efficient than using a hub.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring web pages and other data on the internet. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files between computers on a network.