The document outlines an academic course on computer networks, detailing network software, system software, application software, hardware, firmware, and their various functions and examples. It also discusses the differences between various networking components, such as switches and bridges, and the distinctions between hardware, firmware, and software. Additionally, it introduces the software-defined networking (SDN) framework and its architecture, highlighting the roles of different layers within the network.

1. CITY UNIVERSITY
Course Title: Computer Networks
Course Code: CSE317
Topics Name: Network Software, System Software,
Hardware, Software, Firmware, App
Submitted By:
Afsana Akther Rubi
ID No: 1834902553
Batch: 49th
Submitted To:
Pranab Bandhu Nath
Senior Lecturer
Department of CSE
City University

2. Network Software:
Network software is a set of tools that helps computers to share information with others or allow
to share computer programs.
Example: Client-Server program.
Function of Network Software
1. Enables network virtualizations.
2. Allow administrations to add or remove users.
3. It helps to set up and install computer networks.
4. Allow users to access data and network resources.
SDN Framework:
Software-defined networking (SDN) is an approach to networking that uses software-based
controllers or application programming interfaces (APIs) to communicate with underlying
hardware infrastructure and direct traffic on a network.
SDN architecture
A typical representation of SDN architecture includes three layers:
1. The application layer, 2. The control layer and 3. The infrastructure layer.
1) Application Layer: It contains network applications such as routing, firewall, load balancing
etc.
2) Control Layer: It consists SDN controller which allow hardware abstraction to the
application written on the top of it.
3) Infrastructure Layer: It consists physical switches that forms data plane and carries out
actual movement of data packets.
Layers communication via network interfaces are called northbound and southbound APIs.

3. Figure: SDN architecture
System Software: System software includes the programs that are dedicated to managing the
computer itself such as operating system, file management utilities and also controls monitors,
printers and storage devices.
Application Software: A software that helps the user to perform specific tasks is called
application software. Example: Firefox, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Skype etc.
Software: It is the program and routine for a computer or an electronic device which make it
run. Example: Excel, Windows etc.
Hardware: It is the physical elements of a computer or a system. Example: Keyboard, Mouse,
Monitor and CPU.
Firmware: It is a semi-permanent software program or set of instructions programmed on a
hardware. Example: Embedded Systems.
App: App is a software that used on smart phones or mobile devices or computers or other
electronic devices that perform a specific function directly for the user or other application
program. Example: Microsoft Word.

4. Difference between Application & System Software:
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..

5. Sr.
No.
Key System Software. Application 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.
Difference between Switch, Bridge:
BASIS FOR
COMPARISON
BRIDGE SWITCH
Basic A bridge can connect fewer
LAN.
A switch can connect more
networks compared to the bridge.
Buffer Bridges do not have buffers. Switch has a buffer for each link
connected to it.
Types Simple bridge, multiport
bridge and transparent bridge.
Store-and-forward switch and
cut-through switch.
Error Bridges do not perform error
checking.
Switches perform error checking.

6. Difference between Hub and Bridge:
BASIS FOR
COMPARISON
HUB BRIDGE
Basics Used to connect a number
of devices.
Facilitates in the segmentation of
the larger network.
Types Active and Passive Transparent, translational and
source route.
Data filtration Not performed Conducted
Uses Multiple ports Single incoming and outgoing port
Links Segments of LAN Two different LAN employing
same protocol.
Difference among Hardware, Firmware and Software:
Hardware Firmware Software
1. It is the physical
elements of a
Computer or a system.
1. It is a semi-
permanent software
program or set of
instructions
programmed on a
hardware.
1. It is the program
and routine for a
computer or an
electronic device
which make it run.
2. Can be updated
least often.
2. May not be updated
often.
2. Can be updated
often by users.

7. 3. Hardware is the
most permanent
physical components.
3. Firmware is semi-
permanent software.
3. Software is the
most temporary.
4. Software or
Firmware runs on
hardware.
4. Firmware is a
special kind of
software that only do
specific tasks.
5. Software is the set
of instruction on
hardware.
5. It can’t be changed
but replaceable.
5. It can be rarely
changed.
4. It can be easily
changed constantly.
6. Example:
Keyboard, Monitor,
Mouse, CPU, RAM.
6. Example: Basic
Input/output System
(BIOS), Extensible
Firmware Interface
(EFI).
6. Example: Internet
Browsers, Operating
System, Antiviruses.