Key Components of a Computer Network, What are The Different Components of a Computer Network ?(Lession- 22)

Components of a Computer Network

From a more comprehensive perspective, two fundamental components a computer network: nodes, often known as network devices, and connections. Links can connect two or more nodes to each other. Protocols for communication specify the manner in which these linkages transmit the information for transmission. People commonly refer to the Components of a Computer Network communication endpoints, also known as the origin and destination devices, as ports.

Four types Components of a Computer Network:-

1. Network Devices

Computing equipment that is required to be joined together in a network is referred to as network devices, or nodes. Components of a Computer Network Here are some examples of network devices:

• Computers, mobiles, and other consumer devices : In other words, they are the end devices that consumers contact directly and regularly. The creation of an email occurs through the mailing program on a mobile phone or laptop.

• Servers : These servers, which are either application servers or storage servers, handle the primary computing and data storage functions. The servers receive each and every request for certain services or information.

• Gateways : The term “gateway” refers to a piece of hardware that serves the purpose of connecting two separate networks. It is possible for them to be routers, firewalls, or servers.

• Switches : Repeaters are electronic devices that receive network signals and either clean or reinforce them. They are analogous to transformers in the sense that they are important to the functioning of energy grids. Hubs are replicators with numerous ports. They transmit the data to other ports, depending on which ones are accessible. Bridges are more intelligent hubs that only transmit data to the port that is intended to receive it. A switch is a bridge with multiple ports. Switches can individually connect to several data lines to facilitate communication with various network devices.

• Routers : Routing is the process of determining the network route that the data packets will go via in order to reach their destination. Devices known as routers are responsible for transmitting data packets from one network to another in order to arrive at their final destination. Large networks benefit from their increased efficiency.

2. Links

There are two different kinds of Computer Network transmission mediums, which are referred to as links.

• Wired : The utilization of coaxial cables, phone lines, twisted-pair cabling, and optical fibers are all examples of wired technologies that are used in network infrastructure. The data that is represented by optical fibers is carried by pulses of light.

• Wireless : There is also the possibility of establishing network connections via radio or other electromagnetic waves. We refer to this transmission method as “wireless.” Communication satellites, cellular networks, radio and technology spread spectrums, and other similar networks are the most common examples of wireless linkages. Components of a Computer Network Using spectrum technology, wireless local area networks (LANs) are able to create connections within a limited space.

3. Communication protocols

A communication protocol is a collection of rules that all nodes involved in information transmission adhere to. The Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), IEEE 802, Ethernet, wireless local area networks (LAN), and cellular standards are all examples of common protocols. Components of a Computer Network TCP/IP, a conceptual model, standardizes communication in a contemporary network. This suggests four functional tiers for these communication linkages.

• Internet layer : This layer not only facilitates data transmission and reception, but also encapsulates the information into understandable packets.

• Network access layer : This layer defines the physical conveyance of the data. This includes the way hardware transmits data bits over actual wires or fibers.

• Transport layer : This layer ensures that the connection is both authentic and reliable, which allows devices to continue a communication that has already begun.

• Application layer : At this layer, the means by which high-level programs may gain access to the network and begin the process of data transmission is defined.

4. Network Defense

Although nodes, connections, and protocols are the fundamental components of a network, a modern network cannot function without defensive measures. Security becomes an extremely important concern when networks create, transport, and process enormous volumes of data. Components of a Computer Network, Firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), network access control (NAC), content filters, proxy servers, anti-DDoS devices, and load balancers are some examples of the Components of a Computer Network types of network security solutions that are available.

Read also : What is Network Topology? Types of Network Topology ? (Lession – 21)