What is Computer Network Terminology and its Parts ?

What is computer network Terminology and its parts? In this Topic we will discuss about the computer network terminology and its various parts amd its function. 

NETWORKS

A Computer network terminology is a group of computers that are connected together to communicate and share data, Hardware and software (resources such as files, printers and email). No two networks are alike in size or in configuration. Each network includes common components that provide the resources and communications channels necessary for a network to operate.

NETWORK COMPONENTS IN COMPUTER NETWORK TERMINOLOGY

Device- Any piece of hardware such as a computer, server, printer or fax machine.

Media- Connects devices to the network and carries the data between devices.

Network Adapter- Hardware that translates the data between the network and a device.

Network Operating System- Software that controls network traffic and access to network resources.

Protocol- Controls network communications using a set of rules

SERVERS                            

A Server is a network computer that share resources with and responds to requests from other network computers, including other servers. Servers provides centralized access and storage the resources that can include files, printers, applications, hardware and specialized services such as email. Multiple servers of various types can exist on a single network.

CLIENTS

A Clients is a network computer that uses the resources of other network computers, including other clients. The client computer has its own memory, processor, storage and maintain some of its own resources and perform its own tasks and processing. Any type of computer on a network can function as a client of another computer from time to time. Client is also called a Node.

PEERS

A Peer is a self-sufficient computer that acts as both a server and a client to other similar computers on the network. Peer computing is used in smaller networks with no dedicated central server, but both clients and servers in other types of networks can also share resources with their peer computers.

HOST COMPUTERS

A Host computer is a powerful, centralized computer system, such as mainframe computer, that performs data  storage and processing tasks on behalf of clients and other network devices. On a host-based network, the host computer does all the computing tasks and returns the resultant data to the end user's computer.

TERMINALS

A Terminal is a specialized network device on a host-based network that transmits the data entered by the user to the host for processing and displays the results. Terminals are called "DUMB" because they have no memory or processor of their own. Terminals consist of little more than a keyboard and a monitor. Standard client computers that need to interact with host computers can run software called a terminal emulator so that they appear to the host as dedicated terminals.

NETWORK BACKBONE

Network Backbone is the highest-speed transmission path that carries the majority of the network data. It can connect small networks together into a larger structure or connect server nodes to the networks where the majority of the client computers are attached.

 SEGMENTS

A Segment is any discrete physical subdivision of a network. A segment is bounded by physical internetworking devices such as hubs, switches and routers. All nodes attached to the same segment have common access to that portion of the network. The segment can link a number of devices, or server as a connection between two specific nodes.

SUBNETS

A Subnet is a short form of subnetwork. It is a logical division of a network into a smaller unit. To create subnets, the network administrator configures each node with a network and a node address i.e. IP Address and a subnet mask in order to divide the network into subnetworks. Routers and Switches act as the borders of each subnet and manage traffic within and between subnets on a network. The subnet can be on a separate physical segment, or it can share segments with other logical subnets. 

Two benefits of subnets are to improve network performance and to provide a more secure network environment.