In order to establish a computer network between two or many computer devices, we need certain hardware and physical devices or elements. In this chapter, we will study elements of computer network categorized into two groups: Software Elements and Hardware Elements.

Summary

  • Software elements help to establish logical connection in between the various computing devices.
  • Hardware elements are the physical components of the computer network.

Software Elements of Computer Network

Software Elements are the software applications, programs, or guidelines that help to establish logical connection and add functionality in the computer network. They create an interface for the users to interact with the computers in the network.

Following are the necessary software elements:

☞ Network Operating System (NOS) Software

This software is similar to a normal operating system software in terms of functions but it can not be interchanged. Meaning, a NOS software can not be used in place of normal operating system software and vice-versa. It is the basic software that makes interconnection of computers in a network possible. Here, basic refers to a very important and integral part.

Novell NetWare is a popular NOS.

☞ Network Device Driver

his is an utility software that tells a computer how to interact with a network device in a network. This enables communication between the network devices and other elements of computer network. Other elements refers to operating system, computer and other hardware.

☞ Communication Protocol

This is a guiding principle or a set of rules that enables communication between various computer devices over a network and also governs them. No communication in a network can take place in the absence of communication protocol.

Network Control Protocol (NCP) was the first protocol.

Following are the widely used communication protocol:

  • TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol): It helps to connect a computer to a network system.
  • SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): This helps to send emails.
  • POP (Post Office Protocol): This helps to receive emails.
  • FTP (File Transfer Protocol): This helps to transfer files such as images, graphics, videos, etc. It is basically used in uploading and downloading files.
  • VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol): This helps to makes voice calls using Internet Protocol (IP).
  • NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol): It helps to share news (thoughts, views, and ideas) in a group in the form of blog post or articles.
  • HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): It helps to transfer hypertext between clients and server.
  • TelNet: TelNet or Telecommunication Network helps to communicate to a remote device. With TelNet, you can use the remote (which is located far away) computer from your own computer as long as you both are interconnected to each other.
  • IPX / SPX (Internetwork / Sequenced Packet Exchange): These are not widely used nowadays.[1]

Hardware Elements of Computer Network

Hardware elements are the tangible parts that help to make physical connection between computers in a network.

Following are some important devices necessary for establishing computer network:

☞ Network Interface Card

This connects a computer in a network with other computers in the same network. It converts parallel data stream into serial data stream and vice versa.

☞ Hub

Hub is a hardware element which connects many nodes in a computer network. It also sends data from the server to all the computers or clients in a network.

☞ Switch

Switch is similar to a hub but it is more intelligent. It also helps to transmit data from the server to the clients or recipient. But, it doesn't send the data to all the computers. It only sends the data to the node that requested for it.

☞ Router

Router is a network connecting device which joins two dissimilar computer networks. It makes communication possible between such different networks.

☞ Bridge

Bridge is a network connecting device which joins two similar computer networks together and makes possible the sharing of data and resources between them.

☞ Repeater

Repeater is a network device that amplifies the signals travelling through a network. This makes the signals to travel greater distance.

☞ Gateway

Gateway helps in establishing a network connection with a remote network or autonomous system that is geographically far away. In such network, every data has to pass through the gateway for communication.

☞ MODEM

MODEM stands for Modulation and Demodulation. It helps to convert the digital signals into analog signals and vice-versa.

☞ Media Connectors

These are the physical wires or cables that are used to connect several devices together in a computer network.

  • Registered Jack (RJ-45): RJ45 is a type of Twisted Pair Cable that can be found as either Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cable or Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable.
  • Bayoneet Neill-Concelman Connector (BNC): BNC connector is a type of Coaxial Cable (CC).
  • T connector: It connects three ports together and resembles the letter T.

☞ Server

Server is the most powerful computer in a computer network that acts as the central mechanism to regulate communication and sharing of resources within the network. There can only be more than one server in a single computer network.

☞ Client

A client is a computer in a network that uses the facilities provided by the server of that network. Usually, there are many clients in a network.

☞ Node

A node in a computer network is any point that can access the facilities provided by the network.

☞ Workstation

A specially designed computer system having high capabilities and specifications like higher resolution, more powerful processors, etc. is known as a workstation.