Basic Network Components

There are many components that can be part of a network, for example personal computers, servers, networking devices, and cabling. These components can be grouped into four main categories:
Hosts
Shared peripherals
Networking devices
Networking media

The network components that people are most familiar with are hosts and shared peripherals. Hosts are devices that send and receive messages directly across the network.

Shared peripherals are not directly connected to the network, but instead are connected to hosts. The host is then responsible for sharing the peripheral across the network. Hosts have computer software configured to enable people on the network to use the attached peripheral devices.

The network devices, as well as networking media, are used to interconnect hosts.

Some devices can play more than one role, depending on how they are connected. For example, a printer directly connected to a host (local printer) is a peripheral. A printer directly connected to a network device and participates directly in network communications is a host.