Components of a Computer Network

• Nodes can be an end node or an intermediary node.
• Examples of end nodes(Devices):

  • Computers
  • Network printers
  • VoIP Phones
  • Telepresence endpoint
  • Security cameras
  • Mobile handheld devices(Smartphones, tablets, barcode scanner)
• Intermediary nodes are nodes that just forwards data from one node to another.

  • Switches
  • Routers
  • Bridges
  • Hubs
  • Repeaters
  • Cell tower
  • Firewall
  • Wireless Access Point
• Media

  1. Wired medium (Guided medium)
  2. Wireless medium (Unguided medium)
• Examples of wired media:

  • Ethernet straight-through cable
  • Ethernet crossover cable
  • Fiber optic cable
  • Coaxial cable
  • USB Cable
• Wireless media

  • Infrared (TV remote control)
  • Radio (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi)
  • Microwaves (Cellular system)
  • Satellite (GPS)
• Uses of computer network in services:

  • E-mail
  • Storage services
  • File sharing
  • Instant messaging
  • Online game
  • Voice over IP
  • Video telephony
  • World Wide Web