This document discusses various topics related to computer networks including network software, system software, hardware, software, firmware, apps, and IP addresses. It provides definitions and examples of these terms. It explains the differences between system software and application software, and between hardware, software, and firmware. It also discusses software-defined networking frameworks and the layers within it. IP addresses are defined and the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 are outlined.

1. Class Work-3
Topic Name :Network Software, System Software, Hardware, Software,
Firmware, App, IP Address.
Course Title:Computer Networks Theory
Course Code: CSE-317
Submitted To
Pranab Bandhu Nath
Senior Lecturer
Department Of CSE
City University
Submitted By
Khondoker Sadia
Id:1834902542
Semester:8th
Batch:49th

2. NETWORK SOFTWARE
Network software encompasses a broad range of software used for design, implementation,
and operation and monitoring of computer networks. Traditional networks were hardware
based with software embedded. With the advent of Software – Defined Networking (SDN),
software is separated from the hardware thus making it more adaptable to the ever-changing
nature of the computer network.
Functions of Network Software
• Helps to set up and install computer networks.
• Enables users to have access to network resources in a seamless manner.
• Allows administrations to add or remove users from the network.
• Helps to define locations of data storage and allows users to access that data.
• Helps administrators and security system to protect the network from data breaches,
unauthorized access and attacks on a network.
• Enables network virtualizations
SDN Framework
The Software Defined Networking framework has three layers as depicted in the following
diagram:
• Application Program Interface (API)
APPLICATION LAYER
• Control to Data-Plane Surface
CONTROL LAYER
INFRASTRUCTURE LAYER

3. • APPLICATION LAYER − SDN applications reside in the Application Layer. The
applications convey their needs for resources and services to the control layer through APIs.
• CONTROL LAYER − The Network Control Software, bundled into the Network
Operating System, lies in this layer. It provides an abstract view of the underlying network
infrastructure. It receives the requirements of the SDN applications and relays them to the
network components.
• INFRASTRUCTURE LAYER − Also called the Data Plane Layer, this layer contains the
actual network components. The network devices reside in this layer that shows their
network capabilities through the Control to data-Plane Interface.
TYPES OF SOFTWARE
• Application Software
This can be defined as end-user programs that help perform tasks or achieve a desired outcome.
The end-user is the person who is actually using a product or program. Some examples of
application software include internet browsers, a CRM tool like Hubspot, a photo-editing
software like Adobe or Lightroom, or a word processing application like Microsoft Word.
Application software is installed on a computer or mobile device based upon a user’s need.
• System Software
System software helps the user, the computer or mobile device, and an application all work
together seamlessly. This makes system software crucial to running any kind of application
software as well as the whole computer system. Think about when your laptop or phone has an
update. This is system software in action. Apple’s iOS, Microsoft Windows are examples of
system software.
• Programming Software
Programming software is for computer programmers and developers who are writing code.
These are programs that are used to write, develop, test, and debug other software programs.
They take programming languages like Laravel, Python, C++, and more and translate them into
something a computer or phone will understand.
• Driver Software
This software is often considered to be a type of system software. Driver software operates and
controls devices that are plugged into a computer. These drivers make it possible for devices
to perform their necessary functions. A very good (and practical) example of this is printer.
Difference between System software and Application software.

4. Sr.
No.
Key System Software. Application Software.
1 Definition
System Software is the type of
software which is the interface
between application software and
system.
On other hand Application Software is
the type of software which runs as per
user request. It runs on the platform
which is provide by system software.
2
Development
Language
In general System software are
developed in low level language
which is more compatible with the
system hardware in order to
interact with.
While in case of Application software
high level language is used for their
development as they are developed as
some specific purpose software.
3 Usage
System software is used for
operating computer hardware.
On other hand Application software is
used by user to perform specific task.
4 Installation
System software are installed on
the computer when operating
system is installed.
On other hand Application software
are installed according to user’s
requirements.
5
User
interaction
As mentioned in above points
system software are specific to
system hardware so less or no user
interaction available in case of
system software.
On other hand in application software
user can interacts with it as user
interface is available in this case.
6 Dependency
System software can run
independently. It provides platform
for running application software.
On other hand in application software
can’t run independently. They can’t
run without the presence of system
software.
7 Examples
Some examples of system
software’s are compiler, assembler,
debugger, driver, etc.
On other hand some examples of
application software’s are word
processor, web browser, media player,
etc.
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, FIRMWARE
Hardware, represents the physical components of a computer like its electronics parts. For
example, CPU, Memory, Hard Disk, Monitor, Printer, Mouse, etc.
The basic computer hardware components that are needed to set up a network are as follows:
• Network Cables.
• Routers.
• Repeaters, Hubs, and Switches.
• Bridges.
• Gateways.

5. • Network Interface Cards.
Software, represents the program(s) which perform different tasks on a computer system. It is
a programming code which is executed by CPU, which can takes instructions from input
devices like keyboard, mouse, and can show output on output devices like monitor, printer etc.
Examples are MS Word, Google Chrome, Photoshop etc.
Firmware is a special class of software that is not intended to change once shipped. An update
requires either a swap of chips or a special process to reload the flash memory containing the
software. This kind of software powers things like TV, microwave, and home router, as well
as the BIOS (the boot code) of PC.
Following are the important difference between Hardware ,Software and Firmware.
Sr.
No.
Key Hardware Software Firmware
1 Type
Hardware is a set of
physical parts of
computers which actually
executes the instruction.
Sofware is a program or set of
instructions which are to be
executed by CPU to do the
intended task.
Firmware’s are
generally a type of
software used to
control hardware
devices.
2 Development
A Hardware is
manufactured in factories.
A software is developed,
engineered by software
development companies.
Firmware’s are
usually developed
using low level
languages.
3 Dependency
A hardware cannot do any
task with a software
instructing it.
A software cannot execute if
underlying hardware is not
present.
Firmware includes
perfect rotation
counter support,
floating point
variable, perform all
control, etc.
4 Tangible
A hardware can be
touched being a physical
electronic device.
Softwares being digital can be
seen but cannot be touched.
Firmware is typically
stored in the flash
ROM of a hardware
device.
5 Categories
Hardware categories:
Input Devices, Output
Devices, Storage Devices,
Internal components of
CPU and motherboard.
Software categories:
Programming Softwares,
Application Softwares,
Operating Systems.
There are no such
categories of
firmware.
6 Virus impact
Hardware remain
unaffected by viruses.
Software is affected by virus
being primary target.
Firmware attacks are
traditional malware
and network threats.
7
Digital
Transfer
A hardware can be only
physically transferred.
Software can be transferred
electronically.
Firmware transfer

6. Sr.
No.
Key Hardware Software Firmware
the device control
program
8 Replacement
If hardware gets damaged,
it is replaced with new
one.
If Software get damaged, it is
reinstalled.
Firmware requires
ROM integrated
circuits to be
physically replaced.
APP
A mobile application, also referred to as a mobile app or simply an app, is a computer program
or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch.
Apps are used for productivity assistance such as email, calendar, and contact databases as well
as e-commerce, mobile games, factory automation, GPS and location-based services.
Difference between App and Software:
Sr.
No. Key App Software
1 Definition App is a package to perform a
specific task.
Sofware is a program or set of
instructions which are to be executed
by CPU to do the intended task.
2 Dependency App is always executable. Software may executable or may not
be.
3 Type App is a type of software that does
a certain task.
Software is an all encompassing term
for computer data.

7. Sr.
No.
Key App Software
4
Categories Application is operation system
based.
Software is not often operating system
based.
5
User
interaction
Application need user interaction
for functioning.
Software does not need user
interaction for functioning.
6 Usage Application is used only by end
users.
Software is used as mediator between
user and hardware.
7 Tangible All the application are software. All the software are not applications.
ADDRESSING
There are four types of addresses:
• Physical addresses:MAC.
• Logical addresses:IP Address.
• Port addresses:TCP/IP protocol suite.
• Application-spcific address:URL.
IP ADDRESS
IP or Internet Protocol is the main communications protocol in the internet protocol suite
that relays datagrams across wide network boundaries. IP is known to deliver packets from the
source host to the destination host.
The advantages are as follows-
• Improves our standing
• It enables the admittance to the site whenever needed
• It provides additional security

8. • IP is needed by some outsider applications as well
• IP gives permission to make your moves right away
• IP allows to protect our basic email streams.
Versions
The IP address consists of different versions, let's discuss IPv4 that is IP version 4 and IP
version 6
Features of IPv4 addresses:
• Connectionless Protocol
• It allows for the creation of a simple virtual communication layer over varied devices
• Less memory is required, and ease of remembering addresses
• Already supported protocol by millions of devices
• Offers video libraries and conferences.
Pv4 address classification:
• Class A - IP addresses which belong to this class have their first bit as "0". In dot-notation
form, it ranges from "0.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255".
• Class B - IP addresses that belong to this class have their first bits as "10". In dot-notation
form, it ranges from "128.0.0.0" to "191.255.255.255".
• Class C - IP addresses that belong to this class have their first bits as "110". In dot-notation
form, it ranges from "192.0.0.0" to "223.255.255.255".
• Class D - IP addresses which belong to this class have their first bits as "1110". In dot-
notation form, it ranges from "224.0.0.0" to "239.255.255.255".
• Class E - IP addresses which belong to this class have their first bits as "1111". In dot-
notation form, it ranges from "240.0.0.0" to "255.255.255.255".
IPv6 Addressing Methods
In IPv6 representation, we have three addressing methods which are unicast, multicast &
anycast.
Features of IPv6 addresses
• Hierarchical addressing and routing infrastructure
• Stateful and Stateless configuration
• Support for quality of service (QoS)
• An ideal protocol for neighboring node interaction.

9. References
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/Basic-Network-Hardware
https://www.leadwithprimitive.com/blog/the-4-main-types-of-software
https://www.studytonight.com/post/all-about-ip-addresses-and-ipv4-vs-ipv6