COMPONENTS OF NETWORK

A communication network is any arrangement where a sender transmits a message to a
receiver over a channel consisting of some type of medium. A network system consists of the
following five basic components.
1. Terminals
Terminals include video display terminals and other end user workstations. Any output,
input device that uses a network to transmit or receive data is a terminal.
2. Communication Processor
Telecommunication Processors are devices that convert data from digital to analog and
back, code and decode data and control the flow of data between computers and terminals
with maximum efficiency. Examples are modems, multiplexers and front-end processors.

3. Communication channels and media
Telecommunication channels are the media (data highways) used to transmit and receive
messages. Copper wires, coaxial cables, microwaves, optical fibers and satellites are
channels used for connecting networks.
4. Computer
All types of computers can be used in a network for sending and receiving messages. A
mainframe computer may be installed as host computer in a large network and minicomputers
can be used as a server for small networks. Microcomputers are generally installed at the
desktop of the end user.
5. Networking software
Networking software is a phrase for software that is designed to help setup, manage, and/or
monitor computer networks. Networking software applications are available to manage and
monitor networks of all sizes from the smallest home networks to the largest enterprises
networks.
6. Network Adapters
Network adapters are devices connected in network nodes to communicate with each other
and to access the network. Network adapters are printed circuit board that plugs into the
bus of both user machines (clients) and servers in a LAN.