Computer Science - Networks
Router
A device that forwards data packets to parts of a computer network
Switch
A switch is a telecommunication device that receives a message from any device connected to it and then transmits the message only to the device for which the message was meant.
Hub
This is a hardware device that is used to network multiple computers together. It is a central connection for all the computers in a network, which is usually Ethernet-based.
Client
A computer network in which one centralized, powerful computer (called the server) is a hub to which many less powerful personal computers or workstations (called clients) are connected.
NIC
A network interface controller (also known as a network interface card, network adapter, LAN adapter and by similar terms) is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network.
Ring Network
A ring network is a network topology in which each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals through each node - a ring. Data travels from node to node, with each node along the way handling every packet.
Star Network
Star networks are one of the most common computer network topologies. In its simplest form, a star network consists of one centralswitch, hub or computer, which acts as a conduit to transmit messages. This consists of a central node, to which all other nodes are connected
Bus Network
A bus network topology is a network architecture in which a set of clients are connected via a shared communications line/cables, called a bus. There are several common instances of the bus architecture, including one in the motherboard of most computers.