Infrastructure Terms

Infrastructure Terms

1. Server: A computer or program which runs purely to serve the needs of other computers. It runs special server software to service the requirements of the users (clients). There are several types of servers, including !le servers and printer servers on a local area network (LAN), and web and email servers that manage communication with the internet.

2. Client: A computer which uses the services provided by the server.

3. Router: A piece of hardware that connects two or more networks. In relation to the internet, data from the ISP is sent into the network and the router then directs the data packets to the correct destinations. The router also handles data travelling in the other direction. Routers can be described as ‘directors of traf!c’ for the network

4. Connecting Backbone: The main connecting data routes between large networks on the internet and smaller networks in local regions