4/11/2020 Introduction to Networks -Network Components

 Introduction to Networks /  1 - Networking Today /  1.2 - Network Components

Network Components

1.2.1

Host Roles 

If you want to be a part of a global online community, your computer, tablet, or smart phone must rst
be connected to a network. That network must be connected to the internet. This topic discusses the
parts of a network. See if you recognize these components in your own home or school network!

All computers that are connected to a network and participate directly in network communication are
classied as hosts. Hosts can be called end devices. Some hosts are also called clients. However, the
term hosts specically refers to devices on the network that are assigned a number for communication
purposes. This number identies the host within a particular network. This number is called the Internet
Protocol (IP) address. An IP address identies the host and the network to which the host is attached.

Servers are computers with software that allow them to provide information, like email or web pages, to
other end devices on the network. Each service requires separate server software. For example, a
server requires web server software in order to provide web services to the network. A computer with
server software can provide services simultaneously to many dierent clients.

As mentioned before, clients are a type of host. Clients have software for requesting and displaying the
information obtained from the server, as shown in the gure.

Client

Internet

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An example of client software is a web browser, like Chrome or FireFox. A single computer can also run
multiple types of client software. For example, a user can check email and view a web page while
instant messaging and listening to an audio stream. The table lists three common types of server
software.

Type Description

The email server runs email server software. Clients use mail client
Email
software, such as Microsoft Outlook, to access email on the server.

The web server runs web server software. Clients use browser software,
Web
such as Windows Internet Explorer, to access web pages on the server.

The le server stores corporate and user les in a central location. The
File client devices access these les with client software such as the Windows
File Explorer.

1.2.2

Peer-to-Peer 

Client and server software usually run on separate computers, but it is also possible for one computer
to be used for both roles at the same time. In small businesses and homes, many computers function
as the servers and clients on the network. This type of network is called a peer-to-peer network.

I have a printer to
share

The advantages of peer-to-peer networking:

Easy to set up
Less complex Print Sharing
Lower cost because network devices and dedicated servers may not be required
Can be used for simple tasks such as transferring les and sharing printers

The disadvantages of peer-to-peer networking:

No centralized administration
Not as secure
Not scalable
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All devices may act as both clients and servers which can slow their performance

1.2.3

End Devices 

The network devices that people are most familiar with are end devices. To distinguish one end device
from another, each end device on a network has an address. When an end device initiates
communication, it uses the address of the destination end device to specify where to deliver the
message.

An end device is either the source or destination of a message transmitted over the network.

Click Play in the gure to see an animation of data owing through a network.

LAN

Internetwork

1.2.4

Intermediary Devices 

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Intermediary devices connect the individual end devices to the network. They can connect multiple
individual networks to form an internetwork. These intermediary devices provide connectivity and
ensure that data ows across the network.

Intermediary devices use the destination end device address, in conjunction with information about the
network interconnections, to determine the path that messages should take through the network.
Examples of the more common intermediary devices and a list of functions are shown in the gure.

Wireless Router LAN Switc

Intermediary network devices perform some or all of these functions:

Multilayer Switch
Regenerate and retransmit communication signals
Maintain information about what pathways exist through the network and internetwork
Notify other devices of errors and communication failures
Direct data along alternate pathways when there is a link failure
Classify and direct messages according to priorities
Permit or deny the ow of data, based on security settings

Note: Not shown is a legacy Ethernet hub. An Ethernet hub is also known as a multiport repeater.
Repeaters regenerate and retransmit communication signals. Notice that all intermediary devices
perform the function of a repeater.

1.2.5

Network Media 

Communication transmits across a network on media. The media provides the channel over which the
message travels from source to destination.

Modern networks primarily use three types of media to interconnect devices, as shown in the gure:

Metal wires within cables - Data is encoded into electrical impulses.

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Copper

Fiber-optic

Criteria to consider when choosing network media:

What is the maximum distance that the media can successfully carry a signal?
What is the environment in which the media will be installed?
What is the amount of data and at what speed must it be transmitted?
What is the cost of the media and installation?

Wireless

Dierent types of network media have dierent features and benets. Not all network media have the
same characteristics, nor are they all appropriate for the same purpose.

1.2.6

Check Your Understanding - Network Components 

Check your understanding of network components by choosing the BEST answer to the
 following questions.

1. Which of the following is the name for all computers connected to a network that participate
directly in network communication?

servers

intermediary devices
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hosts

media

2. When data is encoded as pulses of light, which media is being used to transmit the data?



wireless Introduction to Networks v7.0

Fiber-optic cable

copper cable

3. Which two devices are intermediary devices? (Choose two)

hosts

routers

servers

switches

Check Show Me

Reset

 
1.1 1.3
Networks Aect our Lives Network Representations and Topologies

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