Network Terms & Definitions

A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It serves to identify the host or network interface and provide location addressing. Example: 192.168.1.1

A number that defines the range of IP addresses that can be used within a network. It's used to divide an IP address into a network address and a host address. Example: 255.255.255.0

A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the "traffic directing" functions on the Internet.

A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

A hierarchical and decentralized naming system for computers, services, or other resources connected to the Internet or a private network. It translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses.

A core protocol of the Internet protocol suite. It provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of a stream of bytes between applications running on hosts communicating via an IP network.

A simpler, connectionless communication protocol that offers faster transmission speeds but does not guarantee delivery or order of packets.

The maximum rate of data transfer across a given path. It's often measured in bits per second (bps).

The time delay in data transfer over a network. Lower latency means faster response times.

A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications at the data link layer of a network segment. It's often referred to as a physical address or hardware address. Example: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E