A computer network connects multiple devices so they can share resources and communicate. Understanding this fundamental concept is key to exploring more advanced networking topics.

A router is designed to forward data packets between different networks. It directs traffic along the best available routes, making it essential for inter-network communication.

LAN stands for Local Area Network, which covers a small geographic area like a school or office. This basic concept is fundamental to understanding network configurations.

Twisted pair cable is widely used in Ethernet networks because it offers a good balance of performance and cost. Its popularity makes it a key medium for transmitting data in many local networks.

A network switch connects multiple devices within a single network and manages the data traffic between them. It plays a crucial role at the data link layer, ensuring efficient communication.

The Transport layer is responsible for providing end-to-end communication and reliable data transfer between devices. It handles error correction, data segmentation, and reassembly, ensuring efficient communication.

HTTPS is used to secure communication over the internet by encrypting the data exchanged between the client and server. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected during transmission.

The TCP/IP model includes a Transport layer that is equivalent to the OSI model's Transport layer. It ensures reliable data transfer and manages error control and flow.

An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network, allowing it to send and receive data properly. This identification is essential for routing and managing communications on any network.

The 802.11 standard refers to wireless networking, commonly known as Wi-Fi. It establishes the protocols for wireless communication in local area networks.

A firewall is used to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted network, reducing the risk of attacks.

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses, allowing browsers to load internet resources efficiently.

Network protocols define the set of rules and conventions for communication between devices. They ensure that data is transmitted, received, and interpreted correctly across diverse systems.

Mesh network topology offers multiple redundant paths between nodes, which enhances fault tolerance. This means that if one connection fails, data can still be routed through alternate paths.

NAT converts multiple private IP addresses into a single public IP address, which conserves the limited pool of available public IPs. This process also masks internal network structures, adding a layer of security.

The Session layer manages the setup, coordination, and termination of communication sessions between applications. This layer is crucial for maintaining structured and synchronized exchange.

Subnetting divides a large network into smaller segments, which improves performance and security by reducing broadcast domains. It makes network management easier and helps in efficient addressing.

TCP requires a connection and guarantees delivery by using acknowledgments, making it reliable but slower. In contrast, UDP does not set up a connection, resulting in faster transmission but without guaranteed delivery.

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel over the public Internet, allowing secure remote access to a private network. It safeguards data by encrypting the information transmitted between endpoints.

Switches create separate collision domains for each of their ports, which minimizes the chances of data packet collisions. This segmentation leads to more efficient and reliable network communication.