Node and Server in a Computer network

Node, Server, and NIC

Node/Workstation

Node (workstation): A computer becomes a node when it attached to a network. If there are no notes there would be no network.

Server: a computer that facilitates the sharing of data, software, and hardware resources on the network is known as the server. A network can have more than one server. Each server has a unique name by which it is identified by all the nodes on the network.

Server

A server can be of two types:

1. Dedicated Server
2. Non-Dedicated Server

1) Dedicated Server: In Big networks, one computer is reserved for the server's job it helps all nodes to access data, software, and hardware resources. Since it does not double up as a workstation but only manages the network. So, it is known as dedicated server and such types of networks are called Master-Slave networks.

2) Non-Dedicated Server: In small networks, a workstation can double up as a server. These servers are known as Non-Dedicated Servers. Such types of networks are known as peer-to-peer networks.

Network Interface Unit (NIU)

 A Network Interface Unit (NIU) is a device that is attached to each of the nodes and the server which helps to establish communication between the server and node. Without this computers will not be able to perform the operation on network. The NIU basically acts as an interpreter and is also known as Terminal Access Point (TAP) or Network Interface Card (NIC). The manufacturer assign a unique physical address to each NIC and this physical address is known as the MAC address.