AP Computer Science Principles Flashcards: The Internet
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 36 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is a 'path' on a computer network?
A sequence of directly connected computing devices between two computing devices on a network.
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What is a 'path' on a computer network?
A sequence of directly connected computing devices between two computing devices on a network.
A smart sensor, which is a physical artifact that can run a program, is an example of what?
A smart sensor is an example of a computing device.
What is the fundamental difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?
The Internet is the global network of interconnected computer networks, while the World Wide Web is a system of linked pages, programs, and files that uses the Internet.
What is a data stream?
A sequence of data that is passed through the Internet. Data streams contain chunks of data encapsulated in packets.
If you send a 3-packet message and the packets arrive in the order 2, 3, 1, what system is responsible for reassembly?
The protocols use the metadata within the packets for data reassembly.
Define 'The Internet'.
A computer network consisting of interconnected networks that use standardized, open (nonproprietary) communication protocols.
What does it mean that routing on the Internet is 'dynamic'?
It means the path for data is not specified in advance and can change based on network conditions.
What is the primary function of the IP, TCP, and UDP protocols?
They are agreed-upon sets of rules that specify the behavior of the system for sending data across the Internet.
What two things do packets contain?
Packets contain a chunk of data and metadata.
What is the purpose of metadata in a packet?
Metadata is used for routing the packet to its destination and for data reassembly.
What is guaranteed about the arrival of packets sent over the Internet?
Nothing is guaranteed. Packets may arrive at the destination in order, out of order, or not at all.
What does it mean for a communication protocol to be 'open'?
It means the protocol is nonproprietary and standardized, allowing anyone to use it to connect devices.
A university's network of computers and servers is an example of what?
It is an example of a computer network, which is a group of interconnected computing devices.
What is a computing system?
A group of computing devices and programs working together for a common purpose.
Was the Internet designed to be scalable?
Yes, the Internet was designed to be scalable, allowing it to grow and meet new demands.
How is information passed through the Internet?
Information is passed through the Internet as a data stream, which contains chunks of data encapsulated in packets.
What is a protocol?
An agreed-upon set of rules that specify the behavior of a system.
What is the World Wide Web?
A system of linked pages, programs, and files that uses the Internet to transmit its data.
Why is the Internet considered a network of networks?
The Internet is defined as a computer network consisting of interconnected networks that use standardized communication protocols.
What is scalability?
The capacity for a system to change in size and scale to meet new demands.
Does the World Wide Web depend on the Internet?
Yes, the World Wide Web is a system of pages, programs, and files that uses the Internet for transmission.
Explain the relationship between data streams and packets.
Information travels as a data stream, which is broken into chunks of data that are encapsulated in packets for transmission.
What is a packet in the context of the Internet?
Packets contain a chunk of data and metadata used for routing the packet, as well as for data reassembly.
What is routing?
Routing is the process of finding a path from a sender to a receiver across a computer network.
Name three common protocols used on the Internet mentioned in the text.
Three common protocols used on the Internet are IP (Internet Protocol), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
What is a computer network?
A group of interconnected computing devices capable of sending or receiving data. A computer network is a type of computing system.
What is a computing device?
A physical artifact that can run a program. Examples include computers, tablets, servers, routers, and smart sensors.
Your computer, a Wi-Fi router, and a web server are working together to let you browse a website. What is this group of devices and programs called?
This is called a computing system, which is a group of computing devices and programs working together for a common purpose.
What specific protocol is used by the World Wide Web?
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a protocol used by the World Wide Web.
How do computing devices in a network interact?
Interconnected computing devices in a network are capable of sending or receiving data among each other.
How are a computer network and a computing system related?
A computer network is a specific type of computing system.
What is the benefit of the Internet using open protocols?
Open protocols allow users to easily connect additional computing devices to the Internet.
How does one gain access to the Internet?
Access depends on the ability to connect a computing device to another Internet-connected device.
In what units is bandwidth typically measured?
Bandwidth is usually measured in bits per second (bps).
What is bandwidth?
The maximum amount of data that can be sent in a fixed amount of time, usually measured in bits per second.
What characteristic of the Internet's protocols fosters its growth and expansion?
The protocols used in the Internet are open, which allows users to easily connect additional computing devices.