What is Computer Network? – Its Components | New Topic [2024]

In this note, we are going to learn about a topic called “What is Computer Network?” and also about Computer Network Components. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for polytechnic notes and engineering notes as well.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

What is Computer Network?

A Computer Network is a system in which several computers and other devices may communicate and share resources with one another. This communication can take place within a limited area, such as a house or workplace (local area network, or LAN), or over long distances, such as between cities or nations.

Devices in a network are connected using a variety of methods, including cables (wired connections) and radio signals (wireless connections), allowing them to send and receive data. Networks allow users to share data, utilize shared printers or internet connections, interact via email or messaging, and work together on projects.

Computer Network Components

Below we listed some key components of Computer Networks –

1. Nodes/Devices: These are the network endpoints from which data is sent, processed, or received. Computers, servers, routers, switches, printers, and mobile devices are some examples.
2. Links/Connections: Links are physical or logical channels that connect nodes in a network. These connections may be physical (e.g., Ethernet cables, fiber optics) or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular).
3. Network Interface Cards (NICs): NICs are physical components that allow devices to connect to a network. They provide the essential interface for delivering and receiving data over a network.
4. Switches: Switches connect numerous devices inside a local area network (LAN) and facilitate communication by routing data packets exclusively to the specified recipient device. They operate at the OSI model‘s data link layer (Layer 2).
5. Routers: Routers are devices that connect several networks and route data packets between them based on network layer (Layer 3) addresses. They establish the optimum data transmission method and can operate in networks ranging from small to big, including LANs and wide area networks (WANs).
6. Firewalls: Firewalls are network security devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic using predefined security rules. They serve as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks (such as the internet), preventing illegal access and protecting against cyber dangers.
7. Access Points (APs): Access points are devices that link wireless devices to a wired network. They act as the central hub for wireless communication in a given area, giving Wi-Fi connectivity to devices such as computers, cellphones, and tablets.
8. Network Protocols: Protocols are sets of rules that regulate how data is transferred and received across a network. Examples include TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), Ethernet, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).