How many network engineer terms do you know? It is important to increase your network engineer vocabulary, so you are prepared for your new role as network engineer. The more terms you know the better you will be able to explain IT to both technical and non-technical users. Communication is key in the role of network engineer, and one of the many tools that you will use for better communication is common IT terminology.
Introduction to Networking: Terminology
As a network engineer, you will be troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks and network devices. Here is an introduction to the networking terms that you will be using every day on the job.
Bandwidth – the measurement of data that can be transmitted over a network at any given time.
Cloud Computing – store, manage, and process data outside of a local computer system.
LAN – local area network that physically connects computers into a network.
Network Gateway – a device that routes traffic between networks.
Network Router – device that passes traffic to and from a user’s computer to the Internet
Network Server – a central system for computers to exchange data and programs shared by users within a network.
Network Switch – keeps track of address attached to a port to only transmit on the ports that are the intended recipients of data.
VoIP – voice over internet protocol, allowing users to make phone calls over the Internet.
VPN – virtual private network, a restricted use computer network.
WAN – wide area network, connects offices, data centers, cloud application and other infrastructure together.
Wi-Fi – wireless fidelity, wireless network technology that computers and devices to exchange information with one another.
WLAN – wireless local area network, a group of computers networked together with radio transmissions.
Introduction to Network Security Terminology
Network security is a large part of a network engineer’s job. Learning the most common network security terms will help you coordinate security efforts with the entire IT department.
Backdoor – a tool installed after a computer is compromised to give hacker access to the system.
Botnet – large number of compromised computers used to send spam or viruses causing a denial-of-service attack.
Cipher – a cryptographic algorithm for encryption and decryption.
Fingerprinting – sending random packets to see how an operating system responds.
Firewall – software that blocks traffic from entering a network or computer.
IP Spoofing – supplying a false IP address.
Malware – term for different types of malicious code.
Penetration Testing – used to test the external perimeter security of a network.
Phishing – use of email to trick a user into entering credentials to a fake website.
Ransomware – the encryption of sensitive information for monetary gain by a hacker. Those that are targeted must pay a ransom to get the decryption key for their information.
Rootkit – a tool that hackers use to mask an intrusion and obtain administrator-level access to a computer or network.
Spoof – attempt to gain access to a system as an unauthorized entity.
SQL Injection – input validation attack to insert application queries to manipulate a database.
Trojan Horse – hidden malicious function that evades security by exploiting legitimate authorizations to invoke the program.
Virus – hidden, self-replicating software that infects computers that run it.
Worm – malicious program that runs independently to consume computer resources.
Introduction to Internet Terminology
The modern Internet helps us communicate, build connections, and participate in the economy. For a network engineer, the Internet is the ultimate network.
Browser – a program that helps users access the Internet. Popular browsers include Safari and Google Chrome.
Cookie – information that is requested when connecting to a server with a web browser.
DNS – domain name system, the conversion of human-readable domain names to numerical IP addresses.
FTP – file transfer protocol, the standard method of downloading and uploading files over the Internet.
HTTP – hypertext transfer protocol, the standard protocol web browsers use.
IoT – internet of things, a collective of devices all communicating together over the Internet.
Internet – computer network that connects the computers of the world.
Intranet – a closed loop network of computers only for authorized users.
IP Address – internet protocol address, a numerical address that corresponds to a computer in a network.
ISP – internet service provider, the company that connects the Internet.
Protocol – a set of rules that manages the exchange of information between computers.
Search Engine – a tool that helps the user sift through the large number of websites and other documents on the Internet. Popular search engines include Google and Bing.
URL – uniform resource locator, an address system used to find local resources on the Internet.
World Wide Web – a hypertext system of servers on the Internet. A browser is used to access the content on the World Wide Web.
Zero Day – an attack, threat or virus that exploits a vulnerability unknown to software developers
Final Thoughts
Now that you have an introduction to network engineer terminology, it is time to learn more about CyberTex’s Network Engineer program. We prepare you for your career in information technology, in the best tech city for IT, Austin. Take your first step toward a fulfilling career in IT and we will be with you every step of the way.
Want to Learn More?
IT careers have become essential not just in Austin but globally, and there is no better time to pick up than now. In 2021 Austin was ranked #1 in Best Tech City for IT jobs by CompTIA, and the demand is only growing.
Ready to start a rewarding and challenging career in IT as a network engineer? Network Engineer Program at CyberTex prepares you for advanced computer networking & security jobs. You will learn the skills and abilities necessary to setup, install, configure, repair, and manage modern computer networks and their security.
Contact us today to learn more about our Network Engineer program.