Computer Network Components (Fully Explained)
The components of computer networks include both physical elements and software necessary for setting up networks, whether in organizations or at home. The hardware elements consist of servers, clients, peers, transmission media, and connecting devices. The software elements include operating systems and protocols.
Computer Network Components
The diagram below illustrates a network along with its components.
Computer Network Hardware Components
Hardware components refer to the tangible parts of a computer or electronic system that collaborate to execute various functions. Below are the different hardware components listed as follows.
- Servers: Servers are high-performance computers that oversee the network's resources. Typically, a network operating system is installed on the server, allowing it to grant users access to network resources. There are various types of servers, including file servers, database servers, and print servers.
- Clients: Clients are computers that request and receive services from servers to access and utilize network resources.
- Peers: Peers are computers that both provide and receive services from other peers within a workgroup network.
- Transmission Media: Transmission media are the pathways through which data is transmitted from one device to another within a network. These can be guided media, such as coaxial cables and fiber optic cables, or unguided media, like microwaves and infrared waves.
- Connecting Devices: Connecting devices serve as middleware between networks or computers, linking the network media together. Common connecting devices include routers, bridges, hubs, repeaters, gateways, and switches.
Connecting Devices
Connecting devices serve as intermediaries for communication between various networks or computers by linking different devices. This facilitates the efficient transfer of data across multiple systems and networks. Below, we will explore the following examples in detail.
Hubs
A hub is a fundamental device that connects multiple devices within a network. It functions at the physical layer of the OSI model and broadcasts data to all devices connected to it.
Switches
A switch is a more sophisticated version of a hub, which intelligently directs data packets to specific devices, enhancing network efficiency. It minimizes network collisions compared to hubs and is widely used in contemporary local area networks (LANs).
Router
A router is a device that routes data packets between different networks, such as between a LAN and the internet. It operates at the network layer of the OSI model and can also assign IP addresses, enabling it to perform additional functions like security filtering and quality of service (QoS).
Gateway
A gateway is a device that connects two distinct networks with different protocols or architectures. It operates at various layers of the OSI model and can execute complex translations.
Repeaters
A repeater is a device used to amplify or regenerate signals. It is commonly employed in scenarios where signal strength diminishes over long distances, such as in large area networks or across lengthy cables.
Computer Network Software Components
Networking Operating System: Network Operating Systems are typically installed on servers and enable workstations within a network to share files, databases, applications, printers, etc.
Protocol Suite: A protocol is a set of rules or guidelines that each computer follows for data communication. A protocol suite is a collection of related protocols established for computer networks. The two well-known protocol suites are:
a. OSI Model (Open System Interconnections)
b. TCP/IP Model
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