What is a Computer Network?

Computer networks can be described as connections between various devices, including computers, servers, and portable gadgets, that communicate and exchange information with one another. These components of computer network consist of multiple components and subcomponents, such as nodes, network cards, and protocols. They facilitate the flow of data and other resources, aligning with the two additional layers in the model developed by Elder-Vass.

Components of Computer Network: 

Nodes (Devices)

Computers: These are those that are used for various operations including performing operations on data, executing programs and accessing networks.

Servers: Fixed specialized computers aimed at serving other computers in a particular network or an organization. Examples of those kinds include file servers or Web, E-mail and database servers.

Printers: Hardware devices that are included for printing purposes and from where required hardcopy of documents, images and many similar data transferred over the network can take as output.

Mobile Devices: Laptops, PCs, mobiles and palmtops, smart TV and other portable computing devices with integrated wireless communication interface.

IoT Devices: The Internet of Things is a more extensive concept and refers to any physical item that can be fitted with sensors, software and connectivity to exchange information over the web. Some examples are smart home appliances, industrial applications, and wearable health apparatuses.

Network Interface Cards (NICs)

Ethernet Cards: NICs that enable the connection of computers and other devices to Ethernet networks through RJ45 connections and Ethernet cables. It supports a range of Ethernet modes like the faster 10/100/1000 Mbps (Ethernet) or a much faster 10 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet).

Wireless Cards: Serving as wirelessly connected NICs, they allow the hardware to wirelessly connect to wireless networks, based on certain protocols such as 802. 11ac or 802. 11ax or Wi-Fi 6.

Cabling and Connectors: These are the essential hardware components needed to connect equipment, forming the physical infrastructure of the network. Examples include Ethernet cables like Cat 5e and Cat 6, fiber optic cables (both single-mode and multi-mode), and coaxial cables used in TVs and broadband connections.

Ethernet Cables, Fiber Optic Cables, Coaxial Cables: These cables differ in their transmission capacity and are commonly used in ethernet for short and medium range, fiber optic cables for long distance high bandwidth, and coaxial cable for BB internet and Cable TV.

Networking Hardware

Routers: Efficiently transmit data packets between computer networks, including LANs and WANs like the Internet. They rely on routing tables and protocols such as BGP or OSPF to manage and direct network traffic effectively.

Switches: Hardware that interconnects several devices within a LAN, employing MAC addresses to ensure that the information is delivered to the target device only. Other features are only available on Managed switches these are VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) and QoS (Quality of Service).

Hubs: Legacy products used to interconnect multiple Ethernet devices using physical layer networking also known as layer 1 of the OSI reference model.

Modems: Equipment used for converting digital information for sending information through channels of analog communication. Some examples are DSL modems and cable modems.

Access Points: Wireless devices that allow wireless devices to connect with the wire-based network to increase the size of the network.

Network Protocols

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): The basic set of protocols employed for the connection of computers and data exchanges over the Internet and most LANs. This makes it possible to provide a guaranteed and organized flow of data packets.

HTTP/HTTPS: Application protocols that are employed in the transfer of hypertext (web) data between web servers and browsers. HTTPS incorporates an additional dimension of security protocols (SSL/TLS).

FTP (File Transfer Protocol): File Transfer Protocol is a standard used for exchanging files between computers on a network for example when uploading web content or downloading files.

SMTP/IMAP/POP3: The methods employed in the sending and receiving of the email. SMTP is responsible for transmitting outgoing messages while IMAP and POP3 are responsible for retrieving incoming messages from a mail server.

DNS (Domain Name System): Translates names such as www. example. com to numbers such as 192. 0. 2. 1 to find resources on the internet or in a LAN.

Firewalls and Security Devices

Hardware Firewalls: Hardware equipment that acts as a barrier between two or more networks and prevents as well as monitors the flow of traffic between the two or more networks.

Software Firewalls: Software or applications that reside in computers or servers to prevent or allow specific network traffic in accordance with already defined security parameters.

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Examines traffic on a given network for any signs of intrusions or policy compliance violations. IDS is the system that informs administrators about security incidents.

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): It is like IDS but can proactively respond by taking appropriate action to block or even prevent known threats in real time.

Network Storage

Network Attached Storage (NAS): Shared storage solutions, utilized extensively by multiple clients across networks, provide file access interfaces. NAS devices enhance performance and ensure data backup through RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations.

Storage Area Networks (SAN): Fast networks used to offer block-level data storage primarily applied in enterprise contexts to retain all data in one place.

Repeaters and Extenders

Repeaters: Hardware facilities that retransmit the signals to increase the coverage of a network which is very helpful in areas that have large physical space where the signals attenuate as they cover distance.

Range Extenders: Devices that strengthen wireless networks. They increase the range of the Wi-Fi signal in homes or offices They are bridging devices.

Bridges and Gateways: Devices meant to join various kinds of networks or parts of the system.

Bridges: Interconnect-like type of networks for example two Ethernet LANs.

Gateways: Coupling networks of dissimilar protocols interconnects to interface with networks of differing architecture or data representations.

Network Operating Systems

Windows Server: Microsoft’s server operating system that targets large-scale computing for corporations. Which offers an array of services that include file and printer sharing, directory services, and web services (Active Directory).

Linux Distributions: There are many distributions of the Linux operating system (including Ubuntu Server, CentOS, etc). That is commonly use for server because of their reliability. Security and ability to easily customize to specific needs.

UNIX: A now discontinued set of multiuser operating systems created in the 1960s though some of them are still in use in modern corporations. Also universities due to their stability and ability to handle a large load.

Software and Services

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): Network administrators use this protocol to automatically assign IP addresses. Also other network parameters to devices that connect to a network.

DNS (Domain Name System): This decentralized naming system translates domain names into IP addresses. Targeting different resources connected to the Internet or a private network.

VPN (Virtual Private Network): We use VPNs to connect a private to a public network, such as the Internet, securely. This allows users outside the primary physical network to access resources without being direct connect to the primary network.

The Cloud Networking Components: Cloud computing platforms comprise the supporting elements for computing, storage, and other services.

Cloud Servers: In the cloud computing paradigm, we connect servers in a virtual environment, providing isolated spaces. Where we can adjust computing resources according to demand.

Cloud Storage: We store data and files remotely, accessing them through the internet. This storage expands as the quantity of stored data increases and often includes features such as backup and user access.

Cloud-Based Applications (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS): We provide integrated programs as service models accessed through the internet. Subscribers can use these cloud-based applications to meet their needs without requiring local programs or equipment.

Conclusion