M2: Networking Basics

Module 2: Network Components, Types, and Connections

Hosts

Any device on a network that sends/receives data and participates in communication.

What determines whether a host is a client or server?

The software installed on the device

Server

A host with specialized software that provides services (web, email, files) to other devices.

Client

A client is a host with software that requests services from a server.

P2P network

 A network where each computer can act as both client and server, sharing resources directly.

What is the simplest P2P network?

Two computers connected by a wired or wireless link.

Switch

What device is needed to build a larger P2P network?

P2P Application

 An application where each device acts as both client and server in the same communication.

Hybrid P3P

Resource sharing is decentralized and indexes are centralized.

Network Infrastructure

The physical platform that provides a stable, reliable channel for communication.

3 Categories of Network Infrastructure

• End devices

• Intermediate devices

• Network devices

End Devices

Devices that send or receive data (computers, phones, printers)

Intermediate Devices

Devices that direct and move data through the network (switches, routers, wireless, access points).

Network Media

The physical path data travels on (cables, fiber, wireless signals)

Hosts

Are what the end devices are called in a network.