Networking & Connectivity Glossary

A global network connecting billions of computers and devices. Like a worldwide postal system for digital information.

A way to connect devices to the internet without cables. Like invisible roads for data through the air.

A device that directs internet traffic between devices and the internet. Like a traffic controller for data.

How much data can travel through an internet connection at once. Like the width of a highway - more lanes mean more cars.

Virtual Private Cloud - Your own private section of AWS that's isolated from other users. Like having your own private neighborhood in a big city.

A device or service that distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers. Like a traffic director ensuring no single road gets overwhelmed.

AWS networking hub that connects multiple networks together through a central point. Like a major highway interchange where all roads meet - instead of building direct connections between every city, you build one central hub.

AWS service that creates a dedicated, private network connection from your office or data center directly to AWS. Like having a private highway built just for your company's traffic, bypassing the public internet entirely.

Azure's service for creating private, high-speed connections between your on-premises networks and Microsoft's cloud. Like having a private tunnel that connects your office directly to Azure data centers.

Google Cloud service that provides private connectivity between your on-premises network and Google's network. Like building a private bridge between your building and Google's data center.

Oracle Cloud's dedicated network connection service that links your data center directly to Oracle Cloud. Like having a private express lane built specifically for your organization's data traffic.

Azure service that creates secure, encrypted connections over the internet between your networks and Azure. Like setting up a secure tunnel through a public subway system - anyone can see the tunnel, but they can't see what's inside.

Google Cloud service that creates secure VPN connections between your on-premises network and your Google Cloud VPC. Like creating a secure, encrypted highway tunnel that connects two separate cities.

Oracle Cloud's secure VPN service that creates encrypted network tunnels over the internet. Like sending mail in a locked, tamper-proof box - even if someone intercepts it, they can't read what's inside.

Azure's central networking point that connects multiple networks, branch offices, and VPN connections. Like a grand central station for network traffic - all routes converge here and get directed to their destinations.

AWS Content Delivery Network that delivers content from locations closest to users. Like having copies of your store in every neighborhood so customers don't have to travel far.

AWS DNS service that routes internet traffic to your applications. Like a phone book that directs people to the right phone number when they call your business.

AWS service that distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers to prevent overload. Like a traffic cop directing cars to different lanes to avoid congestion.

AWS component that allows resources in a VPC to connect to the internet. Like the main door of a building that connects the inside to the outside world.

Network Address Translation Gateway - allows private subnet resources to access the internet without being directly accessible from the internet. Like a secure mailroom that can send packages out but doesn't accept unsolicited deliveries.

Classless Inter-Domain Routing - method for allocating IP addresses and routing internet traffic efficiently. Like having a smart addressing system that reduces waste and improves delivery.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. Like having an automated reception desk that gives each visitor a temporary ID badge.

Transmission Control Protocol - ensures reliable, ordered delivery of data over networks. Like registered mail that guarantees delivery and confirms receipt.

User Datagram Protocol - faster but less reliable method of sending data over networks. Like regular mail - faster to send but no guarantee it arrives or in what order.

File Transfer Protocol - standard network protocol for transferring files between computers. Like having a specialized mail service just for sending packages.

The delay between sending a request and receiving a response. Like the time it takes between asking a question and getting an answer.

The amount of data that can be processed or transmitted in a given time period. Like the number of cars that can pass through a tunnel per hour.

Storing frequently accessed data in a fast-access location to improve performance. Like keeping your most-used tools on your desk instead of walking to the toolbox each time.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol - the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. Like the language browsers and websites use to communicate.

Communication protocol providing full-duplex communication over a single TCP connection. Like having a phone conversation where both parties can talk simultaneously.

Azure DNS-based traffic load balancer for global application availability. Like a traffic director that routes users to the best available data center.

Azure web traffic load balancer with application-level routing and security. Like a smart bouncer that directs different types of visitors to appropriate areas.

Azure application delivery service with global load balancing and site acceleration. Like having express lanes on highways that automatically route traffic for fastest delivery.

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol - standard for accessing and maintaining distributed directory services. Like a phone book service for computer networks that helps find users and resources.

Simple Network Management Protocol - standard for monitoring and managing network devices. Like having a universal dashboard that monitors the health of all network equipment.

Network Time Protocol - standard for synchronizing computer clocks over networks. Like having synchronized watches across all computers to ensure accurate timestamps.

Border Gateway Protocol - routing protocol used to exchange routing information between different networks on the internet. Like having traffic coordinators that help data find the best routes across the global internet.

Quality of Service - network management technique for prioritizing certain types of traffic. Like having express lanes for emergency vehicles while regular traffic uses standard lanes.

Google's global load balancing service that distributes traffic across regions. Like having a worldwide traffic management system that routes users to the best servers.

Google's service for dynamic routing in virtual networks using BGP. Like having an intelligent GPS system for network traffic that automatically finds the best paths.

Oracle's software-defined networking service providing isolated cloud environments. Like having your own private section of the internet with complete control over network rules.

Oracle's service for distributing traffic across multiple compute instances. Like having a traffic director that ensures no single server gets overwhelmed.

Oracle's central hub for connecting virtual cloud networks and on-premises networks. Like having a central switchboard that connects all your different network locations.

A logically isolated network section within a cloud provider that allows secure communication between resources.

Google Cloud's Virtual Private Cloud network that provides global connectivity for your cloud resources.

Azure's networking service that provides optimized and automated branch-to-branch connectivity through Azure.

Copying files from the internet to your device. Like bringing items from a store to your home - the file moves from somewhere else to your computer.

Sending files from your device to the internet or another computer. Like mailing a package - you're sending something from your location to somewhere else.

Uniform Resource Locator - the web address you type to visit a specific website. Like a postal address that tells your browser exactly where to go.

A clickable connection that takes you from one webpage to another. Like a doorway or bridge that connects different rooms in a digital building.

Watching or listening to content over the internet without downloading it first. Like turning on a radio or TV - the content plays immediately.

Wireless technology that connects devices over short distances without cables. Like an invisible cord that lets devices talk to each other.

Global Positioning System - technology that uses satellites to determine your exact location on Earth. Like having a digital compass that always knows exactly where you are.

How fast data can travel between your device and the internet. Like the speed limit on a highway - higher speeds mean faster downloads and uploads.

The ability of devices to connect and communicate with each other or the internet. Like having good cell phone reception - you need connectivity to communicate.

Content Delivery Network - network of servers worldwide that store copies of your content close to users. Like having product warehouses in every city for faster delivery.

Domain Name System - translates human-readable website names into computer addresses. Like a phone book that converts 'Pizza Place' into the actual phone number.

A subdivision of an IP network that groups related devices together for security and organization. Like dividing a building into separate floors or departments.

A server that sits in front of web servers and forwards requests to them, providing load balancing and security. Like a receptionist who directs visitors to the right department.