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 first 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 classified as hosts. Hosts can be called end devices. Some hosts are also called clients.
However, the term hosts specifically refers to devices on the network that are assigned a number
for communication purposes. This number identifies the host within a particular network. This
number is called the Internet Protocol (IP) address. An IP address identifies 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 different 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 figure.

This figure depicts a client PC and a server connected through a cloud symbolizing the Internet
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.

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 software, such as
Email
Microsoft Outlook, to access email on the server.
The web server runs web server software. Clients use browser software, such as
Web
Windows Internet Explorer, to access web pages on the server.
The file server stores corporate and user files in a central location. The client devices
File
access these files with client software such as the Windows File Explorer.

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.

In the figure, the print sharing PC has a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection to the printer and a
network connection, using a network interface card (NIC), to the file sharing PC.
 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.

Intermediary Devices
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 flows 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 figure.

The picture shows symbols of five common intermediary devices and describes some of their
functions. At the top is a wireless router, LAN switch, and router. Below is a multilayer switch
and firewall appliance. Intermediary network devices perform some or all of these functions:
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 flow 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.

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 figure:

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

 Glass or plastic fibers within cables (fiber-optic cable) - Data is encoded into pulses of light.
 Wireless transmission - Data is encoded via modulation of specific frequencies of electromagnetic
waves.

Topology Diagrams
Topology diagrams are mandatory documentation for anyone working with a network. They
provide a visual map of how the network is connected. There are two types of topology
diagrams: physical and logical.

Physical Topology Diagrams

Physical topology diagrams illustrate the physical location of intermediary devices and cable
installation, as shown in the figure. You can see that the rooms in which these devices are
located are labeled in this physical topology.

Logical Topology Diagrams

Logical topology diagrams illustrate devices, ports, and the addressing scheme of the network, as
shown in the figure. You can see which end devices are connected to which intermediary devices
and what media is being used.
The topologies shown in the physical and logical diagrams are appropriate for your level of
understanding at this point in the course. Search the internet for “network topology diagrams” to see
some more complex examples. If you add the word “Cisco” to your search phrase, you will find many
topologies using icons that are similar to what you have seen in these figures.