Computer Network Components have an important role in supporting data communication between networks. Every device in the network
Understanding Computer Networks
In a computer network there are several essential components or devices needed to build a computer network. A computer network is a collection of computer devices connected to each other to share information, data, or communication protocols that work together to enable data communication between devices. The benefit of a computer network is to exchange data and information between one computer and another computer.
Computer networks can be divided into several types, based on their coverage area, namely: PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, WAN and Internet. In its implementation, there is a design scheme for building a computer network, known as topology. Network topology is a structure or arrangement of connections between devices contained in a computer network. Network Topology determines how devices in a network communicate with each other. There are various network topologies ranging from bus network topology, ring network topology, star network topology, mesh network topology, and tree network topology.
Computer Network Components
Get to know several computer network devices
There are several devices or computer network components that have their respective functions in building a computer network, among others
Connection Devices (Networking Devices)
Routers
A router is a device that connects a local network with an external network (such as the internet). Routers also function to direct data traffic between computer networks.
Switches
Switch is the same device as Hub. The switch functions to communicate between devices on a network with each other.
Hub
A hub is a device that connects other devices on a network without regard to the destination address. The difference between hubs and switches is that hubs are usually less efficient than switches.
Access Points
Access Point is a device that functions to provide wireless access to a network.
Client and Server Computers
Client Computer
Client Computer is the hardware used by end users to be able to access resources from the server. Example: laptops and PCs
Server computer
A server computer is a device that provides resources to client computers, for example: file servers, web servers. The Server component functions to store and provide access to various resources and services on the network.
IoT (Internet of Things) Devices
IoT (Internet of Things) devices are devices that can be sensors on the transmitter or receiver side such as sensors, cameras, or other smart devices connected to a network to send and receive data.
Also read : Network Access Control
Hardware (Hardware)
Cable (Ethernet, Fiber Optic)
Cable is a transmission medium that can send information or data from one computer to another computer. Cables become a physical path for transferring data between devices. There are various types of cables that we use today, such as fiber optic cables and copper (coaxial) cables.
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
Wireless (Wi-Fi) is a transmission medium based on electromagnetic waves (radio) to transfer data without using physical cables (Wireless). Apart from Wi-Fi, another widely used wireless technology is Bluetooth.
Software (Software)
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a computer network protocol as a standard for sending data on the internet. TCP/IP is used as the basic protocol for the internet and many local networks (LANs)
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a protocol for sending email
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a protocol for transferring files between devices on a network
HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure)
HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure) is a protocol for transferring data on the web.
DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS (Domain Name System) is a protocol for converting domain names into IP addresses, DNS can help in searching for resources on the internet.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a protocol used to provide network configuration (such as IP Address) to devices on the network.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol used to manage and monitor network devices, allowing network managers to retrieve information from monitored devices.
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is a protocol for sending control and error messages in a network, including the ping command.
Network Operating Systems
Network Operating System is computer network software in the form of Windows Server, Linux which is able to facilitate network resource management, security and other services. The Network Operating System functions to manage data traffic.
Also Read : The Differences Between IP addresses and MAC addresses
Security Devices
Firewalls
A firewall is a type of network security device that is able to protect the network from external threats.
Antivirus/Antimalware
Antivirus is a security device to protect devices from malicious software attacks.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a device that is able to secure connections between remote networks.
Cables and Connectors
Ethernet Cables and RJ45 Connectors
Ethernet Cables and RJ45 Connectors function to connect devices to a network via cable.
Conclusion
Overall, computer network devices have an important role in supporting data communication between networks. Each device in a computer network has an important role in building and maintaining network functionality.
Source
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/physical-components-of-computer-network/
Author: Meilina Eka Ayuningtyas
