What are Network Nodes in Computer Network and Their Types

A network can be defined as the interconnection between various communication devices that are connected through different communication links. These are used for exchanging the data as well as resources by connecting two or more elements in a limited area, which is known as a network. The examples of networks mainly cover in almost all each field approximately. A network node in a communication network is a connection point, used to transmit, receive, create or store the information with the help of distributed network routes. Each network node is an endpoint otherwise a redistribution point, used for process recognition, data transmission from one network to another. The concept of network nodes is used for network distribution as well as packet switching.

What are Network Nodes?

Definition: In networking, nodes are connection points, redistribution points otherwise communication endpoints. In computer science, these are data points or devices over a large network like a personal computer, printer or phone. Generally, nodes are programmed to identify, process otherwise transmit the data from one node to another. So a node is a point otherwise joint wherever a connection takes place. The concept of these nodes has come from the usage of distributed networks as well as packet switching. So these nodes perform a variety of functions based on the application.

In a network, a node is a device or computer. So, in order to form a network connection, multiple nodes are required. The node mainly depends on the referred network & protocol layer

Every device used on a network includes a unique IP address, which is known as a node. When a node is connected in a network, it must have a MAC address. It is a unique identifier allocated by manufacturers of the device to a NIC (network interface card) intended for communications within a network.

Different Types

There are different types of network nodes are available which include the following.

Internet Networks

In internetworks, host computers are physical network nodes that are recognized with the help of an IP (internet protocol) address. Some of the data link equipment such as WLAN access points do not include IP host addresses. These are considered as LAN nodes or physical network rather than hosts or internet nodes.

Data Communications

The physical network nodes in data communications mainly include data communication devices or equipment. These are arranged between DTE (data terminal equipment) as well as data transmission circuits. These devices include bridges, switches, hubs otherwise modems. The main function of these devices is to perform coding, signal conversion & line clock.

The network nodes within data communications mainly include DTE like printers, digital telephone handsets otherwise host computers such as servers, routers otherwise workstations.

Telecommunication

In permanent telephone networks, network nodes may be private or public telephone exchanges or smart network services on a computer. Nodes in cellular communications mainly comprise base station controllers, and the main function of these controllers is to control multiple base stations. But base stations in cellular networks are not considered as nodes.

LANs & WANs

A network node in LANs & WANs is a device, used to perform an exact function. Every node requires a MAC address used for every NIC (network interface card). The examples of this mainly include computers, wireless LAN access points and modems using Ethernet interfaces, etc.

Cable TV System

Nodes in cable systems are normally connected with fiber optic cable that connects to homes or businesses to serve a general fiber optic receiver in a geographic region. A fiber optic node in the cable system explains the number of businesses or homes can be served through a precise fiber node.

It’s Roles

Nodes in a thread network can be divided into two forwarding roles like the router & end device.

• A node like a router can transmit the packets for network devices. It offers safe commissioning services that are used for devices struggling to connect the network. The transceiver of this device can be enabled at all times.
• An End Device is a node that interacts with a router. It doesn’t transmit the packets to other network devices. The transceiver of this device can be disabled to reduce power.

FAQs

1). What is a node?

A node is nothing but a computer or another device like a printer. Each node has an exclusive address for a network like a DCL (Data Link Control) or MAC (Media Access Control).

2). What are the examples of nodes?

The examples of nodes are hubs, switches, bridges, servers, printers, and modems

3). What is the IP address node?

It represents an address of a device or a host like IPv4 otherwise IPv6.

4). What is the difference between a node & a server?

In a computer network, a connection point is known as a node, whereas the host refers to the server

5). What is the function of DHCP in a network?

A DHCP is one kind of network server, used to provide as well as assign IP addresses, network parameters, and default gateways to client devices.

Thus, a node can be defined as if any device or system is connected to a network. For instance, if a network connects five computers, a file server & two printers, so there are totally nodes over the network. Every device over the network includes a network address like a MAC address. This address exclusively recognizes every device to keep tracking of where data is being transmitted on the network. Here is a question for you, what are the examples of network nodes?