A switch connects peripherals on an Ethernet network. (e.g. printer, computer, another switch).

A lever that toggles things on.

Another name for a swap.

A switch connects devices to help form an Ethernet network. A switch examines each data packet that it receives and send the data packet to the desired port where it will be transferred to the next device.

A device similar to a network switch. It does not, however, examine each data packet it receives, it simply transmits each data packet to every available port. (Sometimes called a multi-port repeater).

A security device on an Ethernet network.

A place to gather and share resources.

A dongle that connects printers to the computer.

A device that uses radio waves (usually 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz) to transmit data.

A device that if connected by ethernet cables to a switch can transmit either wirelessly to other wi-fi enabled devices or to the wired network.

A device that connects wireless (Wi-Fi) enabled devices to a network.

A device for recharging electric vehicles.

A card that allows access to a building.

A device that connects a peripheral to a network. Without one, this cannot happen.

An interface between computers.

A device that contains a unique address called Media Access Control (MAC)

A card that opens doorways.

Enables a device to be 'wireless enabled', thus able to connect to a wireless access point.

A device that allows you to listen to the radio.

Any device without wires.

A router is a device that stores the addresses of all devices connected to it.

A router - in a domestic scenario - is usually combined with a wireless access point and a switch.

A router is often used as a gateway to a network and in mosts cases connects a Local Area Network (LAN) to a Wider Area Network (WAN) via an internet service provider (ISP).

A router is a device that determines the most efficient route to use to transfer data packets to their destination.

A repeater can be either wireless or cabled.

A repeater is another name for an 'active hub'. it boosts the signal along a network cable. Requiring power, it receives data packets (however long it takes to put them into order) and transmits them on.

A repeater is an echo device on network.

A repeater is required when long cable lengths are required (>100m).

Allows a secure walk in the park.

A gateway connects two networks of a different type.

A security device that only allows certain people to access a network.

A gateway is typically a router, connecting a LAN to a WAN.

A family of actors famous for movies.

A bridge connects two physically separate LANS of the same type together so that devices on each network can communicate with each other.

A configuration of wires - bound to allow internet access.

A construction over a river.

A firewall is usually positioned at the gateway to a netwrok and will examine all incoming data to determine if it should be allowed.

A firewall can be a physical device on a network (Hardware) or a soft device (Software) on an individual computer.

A firewall prevents unauthorised access to a computer system.

A firewall can prevent certain data exiting a network.

A server - provides required items in the network cafe.

It is a type of firewall protection.

A server is a computer on a network that can be used by client devices to access shared resources.

It is a computer that accesses information when required.

A computer on a network that deals with all email traffic.

A computer that holds all the information required on a network.

Similar to a serve in tennis.

A computer on a network that makes all files available for authorised users.

A computer that deals with all the print jobs on a network.

A computer that serves as a firewall on a network.

A computer that deals with all the email traffic on a network.

A computer that stores all print jobs in a queue delivering them in turn to a printer. It may control cost and resources and charge clients for prints.

A computer on a network that protects the network from internet problems.

A modern day postman.

A computer that sends and receives all emails for an organisation. It may have anti virus checking software, ensuring as much as possible that spam is rejected.

A graphic organiser, delivering content when required across the network.

A computer on a network that holds or delivers software across the network to client computers. The software may run on the server or the software may be distributed and controlled from the server.

A computer that provides game playing facilities - especially multi player accessibility.

A computer that applies protocols and access permissions across the network.

A server that prevents access to a network.

A computer on a network that is usually placed between the LAN and the gateway. It will check requests and may filter out any undesirable sites and categories of information. It may cache web sites for speed of access. It may include a software firewall.

A computer that controls the bitrate of traffic on a computer network.

A computer on a network that pretends to be something else to stop harmful intrusion of viruses.

A multi faceted computer that deals with mail, applications, and bandwidth control on a computer netwrok.

Bandwidth is often described as bit rate.

Bandwidth is measured as a frequency range in kilohertz (kHz) or as a transmission rate in bits per second (bps).

Bandwidth is often confused with the speed of transmission. Is is actually the measure of the number of bits per second that a line is capable of transmitting.

Bandwidth measures the range of frequencies available on a communications channel. This defines the capacity.

The internet connection is not compatible therefore the network will not function.

1 Gbps

The maximum speed of the network can never surpass it's slowest connection.

38 Mbps

Have you ever played 'Pooh sticks'? - Its a modern version of throwing a stick over a bridge into a river.

It is the process of building an ethernet network.

A bit stream is a series of bits which represent a stream of data transmitted at one time. It can apply to communications, data in memory or storage.

It is the breaking of software into small files to allow for easier distribution and updating.

Communications are broken into packets and buffered into a reserved storage area on a receiving device.

Audio or Video can be broken into packets and stored in an organised way to enable playback.

As communications are played, the buffer is emptied and further frames/packets are requested.

Network communications are broken down into frames to enable it to be transmitted.

The receiving device may have a far greater request rate that the network can supply. Smart TVs require a high speed connection to perform all scheduled tasks without interruption.

A data storage buffer may not be big enough to supply the required streaming rate.

Badly configured networks may cause conflicting requests and use up valuable bandwidth.

Too many devices may be requesting data and pushing the network beyond it's capacity.

It is the breaking down of methods into packets.

Traditionally a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) would use circuit switching.

It is represented by the new 5G mobile communications network.

A physical path is set up before communication commences. While the path is open, no other communications can be sent using the pathway. When transmission is complete, the pathway is reconfigured to another communication requirement.

It is typical that a postal system would use packet switching.

It is the process of breaking down data into packets and transmitting them as groups of bits.

It works by sending the data along with 'header data' containing the details of the sender, receiver, and error control bits.

It works by sending the data through the network with the most capacity to deal with the request.

Message switching transmits the whole set of data together from source to destination. This method is slow and relies on the capacity of the network nodes. Is is too slow for real time communications or real time gaming.

Is is the agreement between two parties to transmit data across the internet.

Is also referred to as 'store and forward'. Each message is transmitted in full to the next node. Once complete, it will be forwarded on. Each message includes a header with the source and destination information included.

This is a combination of circuit and packet switching, ensuring that the network optimises efficient communication paths.

Using light has the advantage of being able to not only communicate but light the space that you are working in.

Light can travel through space, therefore providing wire free communication to other planets. Combine this with a modem and boom you have star trek enabled communication.

Using light to transmit data ensures that communications are fast. Light travels at 300 million meters per second. This means that there is negligible delay in communications across the globe, making it most suitable for real time applications.

Combined with wire communications, light can provide for optimum communication speed an community.

Infrared is implemented in everyday devices because it is well recognised method of communication and is relatively cheap to reproduce.

Infrared requires line of sight to communicate but can be affected by sunlight therefore transmission is not always successful.

Infrared is the communication method used by most remote control devices. It transmits electromagnetic radiation beyond the visible spectrum of the human eye. Bandwidth is small therefore on small amounts of data can be transmitted.

Infrared communication can only be used over short distances therefore not suitable for most medium range control scenarios.

Fibre optics are most used in television communication. Because the medium is glass, pictures are transmitted without loss of data.

Fibre optics are fine strands of glass that allow light to pass through them. They can be bundled together to allow a lot of data to be transmitted at the same time. typically bandwidths can easily transmit 1 Gbps of data

Fibre optics can be used without the use of conventional network equipment. Plug and Play is the method and available on most modern internet enabled devices.

Fibre optics are flexible therefore are suitable for transmitting over routes not accessible through line of sight communication.

ADVANTAGE - They are light and therefore in bulk, save weight over copper networks.

DISADVANTAGE - If broken, they are expensive and complicated to fix.

ADVANTAGE - Using fibre to cabinet technology (FTTC), ISPS are able to transmit data into the home at speeds suitable for High Definition streaming applications.

ADVANTAGE - Because the signal does not suffer degradation, they can be used over long distances.

Laser communication is ideal for portable LAN networking. In normal atmospheric conditions very little data is lost through interference or degradation of signal.

Secure because to intercept the signal would be to interrupt it. Most people would notice if they were not receiving a signal and suspect something was wrong.

Laser communication is similar in process to fibre optic communication. However, it differs in the fact that no physical connection is required.

Ideal for real time communication as the signal travels at the speed of light.

Bluetooth is a wireless method of communication used to transfer data between devices. It is most commonly used on a range of mobile equipment: car audio connection, smartwatch, headphones, speakers etc.

Bluetooth is a condition you get when eating too many blueberries

Bluetooth is a communication technology that requires very little power to operate, does not require line of sight, has a range of approximately 10m and has a connection limit of 7 devices to any master device.

Bluetooth works by splitting the required data to transfer into packets and transmitting on 1 of 79 channels available, each with a bandwidth of 1 Mhz.

WiFi is used to connect WiFi enabled devices on a network. It does not however, provide an internet connection without other network peripherals.

WiFi - main disadvantage - Distance and interference of other objects on the same frequency (e.g. baby monitors, telephones and smart televisions). Security is also a potential threat if access is not restricted using a secure key.

WiFi is the adopted term for the current 802.11 wireless communication standard. It operates between the frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz.

WiFi - main advantage - no wires therefore neat, cheap and devices can be sighted in any location in range of the network.

RFID is used to track library books or keycards, or at a ski resort, tracking ski passes to the lift without having to physically produce a pass.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a method that uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track small RFID chips. By using these radio waves, items can be tracked and detected.

INYP (In your pocket communication) is the latest development in radio communication, ensuring payment can be taken with the least physical effort in any transaction.

NFC (Near field Communication) is another method of radio communication. It is used by mobile phones to emulate an NFC tag on credit or payment cards. NFC is secure meaning it is suitable for payment transactions.

Bandwidth is a most important consideration when accessing the content within a time limit and accessing content in real time.

Bandwidth is important when viewing family photos following a holiday.

Bandwidth governs the maximum speed that data can be transferred; the bit rate being the actual transmission speed.

Bandwidth is most required when reading static data from out of date websites.

Upgraded copper cables STP (Shielded Twisted Pairs) include a metal shield around each wire. A metal shield protects wires from radio and electromagnetic interference. This enhances dependability and boosts data transmission speeds in buildings that contain microwave equipment, HVAC systems or radio transmitters.

Wireless - Less frequencies than copper wires are available on WiFi therefore less bandwidth available. Distance, other WiFi enabled devices, conflicting access points all need to be carefully considered, especially on a high traffic network.

Copper cables are the most common form of connection. UTP (Unshielded twisted pair) being the most used. Due to the cable being unearthed, data packets can be lost at high frequencies. Connection is also limited to 100m.

Optical - with the fact that fibre optics are not susceptible to radio interference, if money is no object, fibre optic communication should be considered.

A protocol defines the method of addressing to use, the type of error checking to be used, how sending devices will indicate the start and end of a message, how a receiving device might confirm it has received the message and any data compression methods that might be used.

A protocol is the third in the series of Tom Clancy books.

A protocol is a professional 'Tocol', a leading scorer in the NBA for example.

A protocol is an agreed set of rules that ensure data is transferred between devices correctly.

A description of layers as set out in ISO OSI 7. Each letter is an abstraction of communication.

The fifth and final chapter of the Divergent series.

A framework of 7 layers devised by the ISO (Organisation for Standardisation), known as the Open Systems Interconnection model.

Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application. These are the abstraction layers of ISO OSI 7.

The physical layer deals with the health and safety aspects of a network.

The physical layer is the development of the network from design to implementation stage.

The physical layer deals with the rules concerning the electrical and mechanical parts of the network.

The physical layers deals with the role out of the network into the real world.

The data link layer deals with the physical connections of the network.

The data link is the conversion of the analogue signals to digital.

The data link layer deals with the rules regarding the transfer of data packets.

The data link is the real time features of 'Skynet'.

The network layer is the full design of the system.

The network layer is the health and safety of internet use.

The network layer deals with how data is switched, routed and addressed.

The network layer is the colloquial name given tot he abstract model.

The transport layer is concerned with the delivery of network components to the right place at the right time.

The transport layer is the least important layer of the ISO OSI 7 model and can be omitted in reality.

The transport layer concerns the day to day housekeeping on the system.

The transport layer ensures data flows correctly without errors.

The session layer defines the protocols to be used during a communication. Without it, message may not be interpreted in the correct format.

The session layer governs how different networks are combined.

The session layer is the converting of the data to analogue signals.

The session data is the time controller on the network.

The presentation layer deals with the overall delivery of the network design to it's stakeholders. It clearly states the design through infographics.

The presentation layer governs the rules by which data can be recognised and presented in the correct format. Images, video and text are examples of the different types of files.

The presentation layer describes how data is shown on the routers, hubs and switches.

The presentation layer controls the required software delivered by the server to present information on different computers.

The application layer is the layer at which the software is implemented on client computers.

The application layer of the model deals with different types of communication application such as file transfer and email.

The application layers governs the licensing of the product on the world wide web.

The application layer is the development of the network from design to physical manifestation.

Post Office Protocol (POP) deals with the etiquette required when posting a letter at the GPO.

POP - Poor Operative Presentations - deals with the management of badly designed networks.

Post Office Protocol (POP) defines the rules for email client software to retrieve emails. POP is part of the application layer of the abstract model.

POP deals with the drinking of 'fizzy' drinks whilst using client computers.

IMAP - Interplanetary missile application planning - is the network designed for humanitarian protection.

IMAP is an acronym, detailed by Apple in it's IOS applications.

Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) - is a method for email client software to retrieve emails. It is part of the application layer of the ISO OSI 7 model.

IMAP - is an alternative to POP

TCP/IP consists of two sub layers. TCP deals with the breaking down of messages into packets. IP deals with the addressing.

TCP is the 'disinfectant' of the network. It ensures clean passage of data.

Transport Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the basic communication method used across the internet and it's connected networks. It is part of the transport layer of the ISO OSI 7 model.

192.168.0.0 - is a representation of an IP address under the protocol layer.

FTP does not exist anymore as computers are connected using the PTF protocol for upgraded network performance.

FTP is used to transmit encoded email. It is part of the Transport layer of communication.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is part of the TCP/IP suite and is used to define how computer files should be transferred from one location to another. FTP however, is part of the application layer of the ISO OSI 7 model.

Forever Transmitting Packets (FTP) is a protocol designed to ensure access to certain networks (mobile phones for example) is never interrupted. It is part oft he security layer of the ISO model.

Hypertext transfer Protocol (HTTP) is part of the TCP/IP suite. It is used by web browsers to send requests to web servers. It is part of the transport layer of the ISO OSI 7 model.

HTTP deals with the physical elements of the network.

Hypertext transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is a futher development of HTTP. HTTPS adds encryption to network traffic.

Hyperdrive Total Tea Party - the latest in the Star Wars legacy of films.

BitTorrent breaks a file down into portions. Client (peers) computers then join to download the portions of the file. As clients join, portions are downloaded from whichever client has capacity to send the data. In this way bandwidth is reduced as a requirement of the initial file source.

A torrent is a metadata file which identifies the locations (URLs of clients and peers and coordinates communication between the peers. The transfer to the connected clients is called a swarm.

The BitTorrent protocol specifies how multiple downloads can take place from the same file concurrently.

A BitTorrent is a way to illegally obtain software from legitimate sources. Most are based offshore to ensure credibility of data transfer and not be governed by a country's specific copyright laws.

A BitTorrent requires client software to be able to work.