Module 2: Network Components, Types and Connections

Introduction
2.0.1 Webster - Why Should I Take this Module?

Kishori does not yet understand network infrastructure device roles in the network, including end
devices, intermediate devices, and network media. When she first started her nursing career, she
was writing patient medical notes in a paper notebook! At home, Kishori only has a laptop, a
smartphone, and a tablet. This makes her most familiar with end devices, or hosts. She
understands that those devices are connected to the internet somehow through that box in the
corner of her living room. At work she uses a laptop, a desktop, a printer, and other network-
connected hospital equipment. She wants to learn more about network components and how they
all connect.

Kishori leaves her patient's room, sets down her laptop, and continues her work on the desktop
computer at the nursing station. She wonders how the electronic notes she just took on the laptop
appear on the patient’s record on the desktop computer. How are they connected? How does the
computer reach the internet in the first place? Kishori has a lot to learn, and you might too! Take
this module to learn more.

2.0.2 What Will I Learn in this Module?

Module Title: Network Components, Types, and Connections

Module Objective: Explain network types, components, and connections.

Topic Title Topic Objective

Clients and Servers Explain the roles of clients and servers in a network.
Network Components Explain the roles of network infrastructure devices.
ISP Connectivity Options Describe ISP connectivity options.

Clients and Servers

2.1.2 Client and Server Roles

All computers connected to a network that participate directly in network communication are
classified as hosts. Hosts can send and receive messages on the network. In modern networks,
computer hosts can act as a client, a server, or both, as shown in the figure. The software
installed on the computer determines which role the computer plays.

Servers are hosts that have software installed which enable them to provide information, like
email or web pages, to other hosts on the network. Each service requires separate server
software. For example, a host requires web server software in order to provide web services to
the network. Every destination that you visit online is provided to you by a server located
somewhere on a network that is connected to the global internet.

Clients are computer hosts that have software installed that enables the hosts to request and
display the information obtained from the server. An example of client software is a web
browser, such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or Chrome.

Type Description
Email The email server runs email server software. Clients use mail client software, such as Microsoft Outlook, to access email on the server.
Web The web server runs web server software. Clients use browser software, such as Windows Internet Explorer, to access web pages on the server.
File The file server stores corporate and user files in a central location. The client devices access these files with client software such as the Windows File Explorer.

2.1.3 Peer-to-Peer Networks

Client and server software usually run on separate computers, but it is also possible for one
computer to run both client and server software at the same time. In small businesses and homes,
many computers function as the servers and clients on the network. This type of network is
called a peer-to-peer (P2P) network.

The simplest P2P network consists of two directly connected computers using either a wired or
wireless connection. Both computers are then able to use this simple network to exchange data
and services with each other, acting as either a client or a server as necessary.

Multiple PCs can also be connected to create a larger P2P network, but this requires a network
device, such as a switch, to interconnect the computers.

The main disadvantage of a P2P environment is that the performance of a host can be slowed
down if it is acting as both a client and a server at the same time. The figure lists some of the
advantages and disadvantages of peer-to-peer networks.

In larger businesses, because of the potential for high amounts of network traffic, it is often
necessary to have dedicated servers to support the number of service requests.

The advantages of peer-to-peer networking:

 Easy to set up
 Less complex
 Lower cost because network devices and dedicated servers may not be required
 Can be used for simple tasks such as transferring files and sharing printers

The disadvantages of peer-to-peer networking:

 No centralized administration
 Not as secure
 Not scalable
 All devices may act as both clients and servers which can slow their performance
2.1.4 Peer-to-Peer Applications

A P2P application allows a device to act as both a client and a server within the same
communication, as shown in the figure. In this model, every client is a server and every server is
a client. P2P applications require that each end device provide a user interface and run a
background service.

Some P2P applications use a hybrid system where resource sharing is decentralized, but the
indexes that point to resource locations are stored in a centralized directory. In a hybrid system,
each peer accesses an index server to get the location of a resource stored on another peer.

Both clients can simultaneously send and receive messages.

2.1.5 Multiple Roles in the Network

A computer with server software can provide services simultaneously to one or many clients, as
shown in the figure.

Additionally, a single computer can run multiple types of server software. In a home or small
business, it may be necessary for one computer to act as a file server, a web server, and an email
server.

A single computer can also run multiple types of client software. There must be client software
for every service required. With multiple clients installed, a host can connect to multiple servers
at the same time. For example, a user can check email and view a web page while instant
messaging and listening to internet radio.

Network Components
2.2.2 Network Infrastructure

The path that a message takes from its source to destination can be as simple as a single cable
connecting one computer to another, or as complex as a network that literally spans the globe.
This network infrastructure is the platform that supports the network. It provides the stable and
reliable channel over which our communications can occur.

The network infrastructure contains three categories of hardware components, as shown in the
figure:

 End devices
 Intermediate devices
 Network media

Devices and media are the physical elements, or hardware, of the network. Hardware is often the
visible components of the network platform such as a laptop, PC, switch, router, wireless access
point, or the cabling used to connect the devices. Occasionally, some components may not be so
visible. In the case of wireless media, messages are transmitted through the air using invisible
radio frequencies or infrared waves.

Make a list of the network infrastructure components installed in your home network. Include the
cables or wireless access points that provide your network connections.

2.2.3 End Devices

The network devices that people are most familiar with are called end devices, or hosts. These
devices form the interface between users and the underlying communication network.

Some examples of end devices are as follows:

 Computers (workstations, laptops, file servers, web servers)

 Network printers
 Telephones and teleconferencing equipment
 Security cameras
 Mobile devices (such as smart phones, tablets, PDAs, and wireless debit/credit card
readers and barcode scanners)

An end device (or host) is either the source or destination of a message transmitted over the
network, as shown in the animation. In order to uniquely identify hosts, addresses are used.
When a host initiates communication, it uses the address of the destination host to specify where
the message should be sent.

ISP Connectivity Options

2.3.1 ISP Services

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides the link between the home network and the internet.
An ISP can be the local cable provider, a landline telephone service provider, the cellular
network that provides your smartphone service, or an independent provider who leases
bandwidth on the physical network infrastructure of another company.

Many ISPs also offer additional services to their contract subscribers, as shown in the figure.
These services can include email accounts, network storage, and website hosting and automated
backup or security services.

ISPs are critical to communications across the global internet. Each ISP connects to other ISPs to
form a network of links that interconnect users all over the world. ISPs are connected in a
hierarchical manner that ensures that internet traffic generally takes the shortest path from the
source to the destination.

The internet backbone is like an information super highway that provides high-speed data links
to connect the various service provider networks in major metropolitan areas around the world.
The primary medium that connects the internet backbone is fiber-optic cable. This cable is
typically installed underground to connect cities within continents. Fiber-optic cables also run
under the sea to connect continents, countries, and cities.

2.3.2 ISP Connections

The interconnection of ISPs that forms the backbone of the internet is a complex web of fiber-
optic cables with expensive networking switches and routers that direct the flow of information
between source and destination hosts. Average home users are not aware of the infrastructure
outside of their network. For a home user, connecting to the ISP is a fairly uncomplicated
process.

The top portion of the figure displays the simplest ISP connection option. It consists of a modem
that provides a direct connection between a computer and the ISP. This option should not be
used though, because your computer is not protected on the internet.

As shown in the bottom portion of the figure, a router is required to securely connect a computer
to an ISP. This is the most common connection option. It consists of using a wireless integrated
router to connect to the ISP. The router includes a switch to connect wired hosts and a wireless
AP to connect wireless hosts. The router also provides client IP addressing information and
security for inside hosts.

2.3.3 Cable and DSL Connections

Most home network users do not connect to their service providers with fiber-optic cables. The
figure illustrates common connection options for small office and home users. The two most
common methods are as follows:

 Cable - Typically offered by cable television service providers, the internet data signal is
carried on the same coaxial cable that delivers cable television. It provides a high
bandwidth, always on, connection to the internet. A special cable modem separates the
internet data signal from the other signals carried on the cable and provides an Ethernet
connection to a host computer or LAN.
 DSL - Digital Subscriber Line provides a high bandwidth, always on, connection to the
internet. It requires a special high-speed modem that separates the DSL signal from the
telephone signal and provides an Ethernet connection to a host computer or LAN. DSL
runs over a telephone line, with the line split into three channels. One channel is used for
voice telephone calls. This channel allows an individual to receive phone calls without
disconnecting from the internet. A second channel is a faster download channel, used to
receive information from the internet. The third channel is used for sending or uploading
information. This channel is usually slightly slower than the download channel. The
quality and speed of the DSL connection depends mainly on the quality of the phone line
and the distance from the central office of your phone company The farther you are from
the central office, the slower the connection.

2.3.4 Additional Connectivity Options

Other ISP connection options for home users include the following:
Cellular
Cellular internet access uses a cell phone network to connect. Wherever you can get a cellular
signal, you can get cellular internet access. Performance will be limited by the capabilities of the
phone and the cell tower to which it is connected. The availability of cellular internet access is a
real benefit for people in areas that would otherwise have no internet connectivity at all, or for
people who are constantly on the move. The downside of cellular connectivity is that the carrier
usually meters the bandwidth usage of the connection and may charge extra for bandwidth that
exceeds the contract data plan.
Satellite
Satellite service is a good option for homes or offices that do not have access to DSL or cable.
Satellite dishes (see figure) require a clear line of sight to the satellite and so might be difficult in
heavily wooded areas or places with other overhead obstructions. Speeds will vary depending on
the contract, though they are generally good. Equipment and installation costs can be high
(although check the provider for special deals), with a moderate monthly fee thereafter. Like
cellular access, the availability of satellite internet access is a real benefit in areas that would
otherwise have no internet connectivity at all.
Dial-up Telephone
An inexpensive option that uses any phone line and a modem. To connect to the ISP, a user calls
the ISP access phone number. The low bandwidth provided by a dial-up modem connection is
usually not sufficient for large data transfer, although it is useful for mobile access while
traveling. A modem dial-up connection should only be considered when higher speed connection
options are not available.

In metropolitan areas, many apartments and small offices are being connected directly with fiber-
optic cables. This enables an internet service provider to provide higher bandwidth speeds and
support more services such as internet, phone, and TV.

The choice of connection varies depending on geographical location and service provider
availability.

Network Components, Types, and Connections Summary

2.4.1 What Did I Learn in this Module?
Clients and Servers

All computers connected to a network that participate directly in network communication are
classified as hosts. Hosts can send and receive messages on the network. In modern networks,
computer hosts can act as a client, a server, or both. The software installed on the computer
determines which role the computer plays.
Client and server software usually run on separate computers, but it is also possible for one
computer to run both client and server software at the same time. In small businesses and homes,
many computers function as the servers and clients on the network. This type of network is
called a P2P network. In larger businesses, because of the potential for high amounts of network
traffic, it is often necessary to have dedicated servers to support the number of service requests.
P2P networks are easy to set up, less complex, lower in cost, and can be used for simple tasks
such as transferring files and sharing printers. However, there is no centralized administration.
They have less security, are not scalable, and can perform slower.

Network Components
There are symbols that represent various types of networking equipment. The network
infrastructure is the platform that supports the network. It provides the stable and reliable
channel over which our communications can occur. The network infrastructure contains three
categories of hardware components: end devices, intermediate devices, and network media.
Hardware is often the visible components of the network platform such as a laptop, PC, switch,
router, wireless access point, or the cabling used to connect the devices. Components that are not
visible include wireless media.

End devices, or hosts, form the interface between users and the underlying communication
network. Some examples of end devices include:

 Computers (workstations, laptops, file servers, web servers)

 Network printers
 Telephones and teleconferencing equipment
 Security cameras
 Mobile devices (such as smartphones, tablets, PDAs, and wireless debit/credit card
readers and barcode scanners)

ISP Connectivity Options

An ISP provides the link between the home network and the internet. An ISP can be the local
cable provider, a landline telephone service provider, the cellular network that provides your
smartphone service, or an independent provider who leases bandwidth on the physical network
infrastructure of another company. Each ISP connects to other ISPs to form a network of links
that interconnect users all over the world. ISPs are connected in a hierarchical manner that
ensures that internet traffic generally takes the shortest path from the source to the destination.

The interconnection of ISPs that forms the backbone of the internet is a complex web of fiber-
optic cables with expensive networking switches and routers that direct the flow of information
between source and destination hosts.

For a home user, connecting to the ISP is a fairly uncomplicated process. This is the most
common connection option. It consists of using a wireless integrated router to connect to the ISP.
The router includes a switch to connect wired hosts and a wireless AP to connect wireless hosts.
The router also provides client IP addressing information and security for inside hosts. The two
most common methods are cable and DSL. Other options include cellular, satellite, and dial-up
telephone.

2.4.2 Webster - Reflection Questions

Have you ever ordered a piece of furniture that you had to assemble yourself? The box has all the
pieces and parts that you need along with the assembly instructions. It helps you to look at all
these items while you read through the instructions. Think of your network. Did you know what
all the different devices and connection types were before you took this module? Do you look at
these pieces and parts differently now?