HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is a secure version of HTTP that encrypts data using SSL/TLS, protecting communication from eavesdropping and tampering. Elaboration: Example: Online banking sites like https://bank.com use HTTPS to protect sensitive transactions.

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is an application-layer protocol used for transferring hypertext (webpages) over the internet. Elaboration: Example: Accessing a webpage via http://example.com sends an HTTP request to the server.

A protocol is a set of rules that define how data is transmitted, formatted, and processed in a network. Elaboration: Example: When you send an email, protocols like SMTP (sending), IMAP (retrieving), and POP3 handle the process.

A packet is a unit of data transmitted over a network, containing a header (control information) and a payload (actual data). Elaboration: Example: A webpage request (HTTP GET) is broken into packets before being sent across the internet.

A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules. Elaboration: Example: A company’s firewall blocks unauthorized access to its internal network while allowing legitimate traffic.

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component that enables a device to connect to a network using wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) communication. Elaboration: Example: A laptop’s Wi-Fi adapter (wireless NIC) allows it to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices in a network and transmits data to all connected devices, regardless of the intended recipient. Elaboration: Example: An old Ethernet hub in a small office setup where all devices receive the same data simultaneously.

A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices in a LAN and efficiently forwards data to the correct destination using MAC addresses. Elaboration: Example: An Ethernet switch in an office connects multiple computers, ensuring fast and secure communication.

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between different networks based on IP addresses, using routing protocols to determine the most efficient path. Elaboration: A router connects multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks) and directs network traffic. It analyzes data packets, determines their destination, and forwards them accordingly.…

The Domain Name System (DNS) resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses. Elaboration: Example: Typing www.example.com in a browser triggers a DNS lookup, which translates it into an IP before connecting.