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The document discusses the key elements of computer networks including hosts, intermediary devices, network links, applications, data, protocols, and communication modes. It describes client-server and peer-to-peer networking and the layers of standard network architectures like TCP/IP and OSI.

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Angelyn Burnot
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11 views5 pages

Reviewer

The document discusses the key elements of computer networks including hosts, intermediary devices, network links, applications, data, protocols, and communication modes. It describes client-server and peer-to-peer networking and the layers of standard network architectures like TCP/IP and OSI.

Uploaded by

Angelyn Burnot
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The computer network represents a collection of wired and

wireless communication links through which computers and other


hardware devices exchange data (or messages). A network can
be either as small as the one installed in a house or as big as the
Internet that literally covers the entire planet.

Network Elements
-A computer network is made up of various hardware and
software components Including hosts, intermediary devices,
network links (or communication links), applications, data,
and protocols.

The host is defined as a data-producing entity attached to a


network, and it has been primarily a computer. Hosts are also
called end devices, end systems, or end stations

Key elements of a computer network.


-The host is generally a source or a destination of data in transit,
and it has been predominantly a general-purpose or high-
performance computer (e.g., PC, laptop, mainframe,
supercomputer).

Client–server versus P2P networking.

Client–Server Mode
In the client–server mode, a host acts as a dedicated client or
server. The client host takes advantage of resources (e.g., files,
storage space, databases, web pages, central 8 processing unit
(CPU) processing) offered by servers.

P2P Mode
In P2P networking, each participating host on a network behaves
as both a client and a server in sharing resources with other
hosts.
Network Interface Card
The NIC is generally built into a computer these days, and it
converts host-generated binary data (e.g., emails) into
signals (e.g., electronic currents, lights, radio signals) and
releases them to the network. The NIC also accepts signals
arriving over the network, restores original data, and forwards
them to the host’s CPU for processing.

Intermediary Device
Depending on the size, a network can have many different
intermediary devices that conduct functions necessary to relay
data between the source and destination hosts. Intermediary
devices do not produce user data, but transport them in an
effective, reliable, and secure manner.

Among the frequently used intermediary devices are modems,


firewalls, multiplexers, channel service unit (CSU)/data service
unit (DSU), hubs (or multiport repeaters), switches, routers,
bridges, and wireless access points.

Network Link

The network link is a wired (or guided) or wireless (or unguided)


connection that enables data exchange between network nodes.
Various communication media have been used to form a link.
Copper wires (e.g., twisted pairs, coaxial cables) and optical
fibers made of extremely pure glass or plastic are the
predominant wired transmission media these days.

Application

The application (e.g., MS Outlook, web browser) represents a


software program developed to support a specialized user task
(e.g., email exchange, web surfing). Numerous applications have
been introduced to support various tasks over the computer
network.

Data/Message

Applications produce data (or messages) that need to be


transported over the network. The data may be real-time or
interactive audios/videos, or such static contents as web
pages and emails.

Protocol

A host application (e.g., web browser, email program) produces


and exchanges data/messages according to a protocol, which
contains a collection of detailed communication rules.

Modes of Communication

1. Unicasting
In unicasting, data exchange takes place between a single source
and a single destination node identified by their unique
addresses.

2. Broadcasting
Broadcasting results in the flooding of data from one node to all
the other nodes within a network.

3. Multicasting
Multicasting from a data source results in its concurrent delivery
to a selected group of destinations.

Directionality in Data Exchange


1. Simplex
In simplex transmission, data flow is in only one direction. Radio
and TV broadcasting services are good examples.

2. Duplex
In the duplex mode, data flows both ways between two network
nodes, and thus each node has the capability of sending and
receiving data.

ARCHITECTURES AND STANDARDS

Standard Architecture

TCP/IP and OSI are two dominant standard architectures. The


TCP/IP model was
Introduced for the Internet.

TCP/IP

1. Application
2. Transport
3. Internet
4. Network

OSI LAYERS

1. Application
2. Session
3. Transport
4. Network
5. Data link
6. Physical
7. Presentation

Protocol Data Unit

As stated, the host computer should perform all layer functions.


The layers, except the physical layer, produce discrete message
units called Protocol Data Units when two hosts communicate.

Layer Processing

As stated, each layer—except for the physical layer—produces its


own PDUs, and each of them is passed on to either upper or
lower layer to become another PDU.

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