Explain the role and function of network components - CCNA

 

What Is a Network Component?

A network component refers to any physical or logical device or software application that is used to connect computers or other network devices together to facilitate communication and data transfer. These components can be hardware-based, such as routers, switches, hubs, modems, and network interface cards (NICs), or they can be software-based, such as protocols, firewalls, and network management systems.

Routers, Switches, Hubs, Modems, NICs, Firewalls, Networking Operating System and Other Network Components are some of the most used.

Network components are the different devices and equipment that are used to create a computer network. These components can be classified into two main categories: hardware components and software components.

Types of network components

There are various types of network components, which can be broadly classified into two main categories: 

1)Physical components 

2)Logical components

Physical components & Their Functions

• Routers: These are devices that connect different networks together and forward data packets between them.
• Hubs: These are devices that connect multiple devices to a network and pass on all data received to all connected devices.
• Wireless access points: These are devices that allow wireless-enabled devices to connect to a network.
• Cables: These are used to connect different network components, including computers, switches, routers, and hubs.
• Network Interface Cards (NICs): These are hardware components that allow computers and other devices to connect to a network.

Logical Components  & Their Functions

• Firewalls: These are software applications that provide security by controlling the incoming and outgoing traffic on a network.
• Network management software: These are applications that monitor and manage network devices and traffic to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Network operating systems (NOS): These are software programs that manage and control network devices, as well as the software applications that run on them.
• Firewalls: These are software applications that provide security by controlling the incoming and outgoing traffic on a network.
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP): This is a protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
• Domain Name System (DNS): This is a protocol that maps domain names to IP addresses.
• IP Addresses: These are unique identifiers assigned to devices on a network to allow them to communicate with each other.
• Protocols: These are sets of rules that govern how data is transmitted over a network.