Networking Tutorials
Top 20 Networking Terms Every Student Should Know
These are the 20 essential networking terms every beginner should understand. Master this vocabulary and the rest of networking becomes much easier to learn.
The 20 essential terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IP address | A unique numeric identifier for a device on a network |
| Subnet | A smaller division of an IP network |
| Subnet mask | Defines which part of an IP is network vs host |
| Router | Forwards traffic between different networks (Layer 3) |
| Switch | Connects devices within a LAN using MAC addresses (Layer 2) |
| VLAN | A logical Layer 2 segment on a switch |
| Gateway | The device that connects a network to other networks |
| MAC address | A hardware address unique to a network interface |
| OSPF | A link-state routing protocol that finds best paths |
| BGP | The path-vector protocol that runs the internet |
| NAT | Translates private IPs to public IPs |
| DHCP | Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices |
| DNS | Resolves domain names to IP addresses |
| ACL | Rules that permit or deny network traffic |
| TCP | Reliable, connection-oriented transport protocol |
| UDP | Fast, connectionless transport protocol |
| Port | A number identifying a service on a device |
| Firewall | Filters traffic to protect a network |
| VPN | A secure, encrypted tunnel over a public network |
| Bandwidth | The maximum data rate of a link |
Go deeper
Ready to learn these in action? Read OSPF, VLANs & trunking and BGP, or start the CCNA course.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I learn networking terms first?
A clear vocabulary makes every other networking concept easier to understand and discuss in interviews.
Are these terms enough for CCNA?
They are a strong starting point; CCNA covers these and much more in depth.
Related articles
Want hands-on training?
Learn this on real Cisco lab devices with placement support at Attila Technologies, Ahmedabad.