Computer networks require both hardware and software components. The hardware includes servers to manage resources, clients to access resources, transmission media like cables to transfer data, and connecting devices like hubs and switches. The software includes network operating systems installed on servers to facilitate sharing, and protocol suites like TCP/IP that allow devices to communicate over the network.

2. COMPUTER NETWORK COMPONENTS
• Computer networks requires both Hardware and
Software components
• The hardware components are the
– Server,
– Client,
– Transmission Medium
– Connecting devices
• The software components are
– Operating System and
– Protocols

3. Hardware Components
• Servers −
– Servers are high-configuration computers
– It manages and give user access to the network
resources
– A special operating system called Network
Operating System (NOS)is typically installed in the
server
– Servers can be of various kinds: file servers,
database servers, print servers etc.

4. Hardware Components
• Clients − Clients are computers that request
and receive service from the servers to access
and use the network resources.
• Transmission Media −
– These are the channels through which data is
transferred from one device to another in a
network.
– It may be guided media like coaxial cable, fibre
optic cables etc; or maybe unguided media like
microwaves, infra-red waves etc.

5. Hardware Components
• Connecting Devices −
– Connecting devices act as middleware between various
networks devices or computers, by binding the network
media together.
– Some of the common connecting devices are:
 Hubs
 Switches
 Bridges
 Routers
 Repeaters
 Gateways

6. Software Components
• Networking Operating System (NOS)
– A special Operating Systems typically installed in
the server and facilitate to share files, database,
applications, printers etc.
– In addition, the client computer also must have
the OS installed with capability to participate in
the networking.

7. Software Components
• Protocol Suite
– A protocol is a software rule or guideline followed
by each computer for data communication.
– Protocol suite is a set of related protocols that are
laid down for computer networks.
– The two popular protocol suites are −
 OSI Model ( Open System Interconnections)
 TCP / IP Model