The network is the interconnection point that connects the various communication devices that can connect with the internet. These devices get connected with the network through multiple and different communication links used to exchange information or data between the devices.
Node is a device or application that works as a connection point for a network connection. Moreover, it can transmit the information, receive, send, and store the given information. Nodes are used in almost every field where devices or computers need to connect with the internet. Also, every node comes with a unique endpoint or the redistribution point of data transmission. It is used for recognizing data processing and executing the same.
What is Node in Computer Network?
The network nodes in the computer networks are the applications or the devices that work as the connection points, data redistribution points, or the endpoints of data communication for the various devices. However, in computer science, the nodes can be explained as the data points connected to the extensive network, such as phones, computers, and printers.
If we talk in general, the nodes are the programmed devices that come in use to connect the network and computer devices to transmit the data among the devices. Thus, it can be called the joined points or the interconnected points when the device connects with the network.
Nowadays, the nodes come with switching devices and distributed networks for connecting the relevant devices through a network. And if the person needs to connect the computer with the internet. They need to have the nodes, which mainly rely on the protocol layer and the ideal network for the computer system.
Moreover, every node system comes with a different network protocol. While connecting those with devices, the user must look for the MAC address allowed by the device’s manufacturers. It works as the unique identifier number, and the NIC manufacturers mostly give it. Nodes also have various functions and types that we will discuss below.
Types of Nodes in Computer Network
1. Internet Network Nodes
The internet network nodes are one of the primary types of nodes in a computer network. Here the internet or intranet networks take place, and most of the nodes are physical computers. And these computers are identified with the help of an IP address. In contrast, the WLAN does not contain any access points, and neither has the IP host address. The computer devices already hold it; they are described as the physical networks or LAN nodes instead of the host.
2. End Nodes
These are the nodes that offer the initial or the endpoint for the data transmission. Security cameras, printers, computers are examples of the end nodes. Thus, end nodes are also nodes that encompass the initial or endpoint for connecting the device with the network.
3. Telecommunication Network Nodes
The telecommunication network nodes can either be private or public telephone exchanges or provide intelligent network services. In cellular telecommunication, the nodes work as the base station controller. And they are responsible for controlling the many base stations, but the base stations are not the nodes.
4. Data Communication Nodes
Data communication nodes are the devices used in the data communication devices, so the data transfer between the devices can easily take place using these nodes. These physical devices consist of data terminal equipment and data transmission circuits that help connect the network correctly. These types of nodes generally include the modem, Switches, bridges, and many other similar devices. These nodes are specially designed to perform the line clock, signal conversion, and coding. Moreover, you can easily find these nodes in the digital handsets and printers; it is also used in the routers and the servers.
5. Cable TV System’s Nodes
The cable TV system nodes are the physical devices that generally stay connected with the fiber optic cables. And these cables are connected with home and office devices with the available fiber optic devices in the particular area. These nodes determine the number of fiber optics connected with the cable systems for the network connection.
6. Intermediary Nodes
The intermediary nodes are the devices that exist between the initial point and the endpoint of the computer network’s end node hardware system. Some examples of intermediary nodes are bridges, switches, and cell towers.
7. LANs And WANs Nodes
LANs and WANs Nodes are also computer network nodes that work the same as other nodes. These nodes generally need to have the MAC address given for the NIC or the network interface cards. And these nodes are used for the network connection in the computer devices using wireless network technology. In some cases, it also requires when the ethernet interfaces are coming into use.
8. Distributed Network Nodes
It is the type of node that uses the peers, servers, and clients to make the network connection. Here some virtual nodes can also maintain the information or data transparency between the devices or the users.
Functions of Node in Computer Network
The function of the nodes in a computer network can occur in two types, as mentioned below.
- As a node that works like a router so that the information can transmit easily. With the help of safe commissioning services, the devices can securely connect with the network. Then it can keep the required device connected with the network of all the types.
- It can also work as the end device that has the endpoints for the network transmission. Here it interacts with the router when it transfers the data. And it does not transfer any data to other network devices. Also, its primary device can be disabled to minimize the power.
So these two are the functions that a node in a computer network can execute in different scenarios.
Conclusion
So, nodes in a computer network are the devices that connect the computer device with the network for transmitting the information. In this article, we learned about nodes and types of nodes with a brief explanation. Thus, if you want to read about computer networks and the system, stay tuned with us and check out other articles.