Lesson 1 - Devices on Networks

   Introduction

In addition to the computers that people use directly, many types of electronic devices can communicate with each other over a network. Any device connected to a network is called a node. Each node has its own separate identity on the network, just as each house on a street has a different address. We will explain how this addressing system works later in the course. This lesson introduces the following types of nodes a network can interconnect:

	Desktop computers
	Mid-range computers and servers
	Mainframe computers
	Personal digital assistants (PDAs)
	Peripherals
	Internetworking devices

   Objectives

At the end of this lesson you will be able to:

1.	Name and describe the types of devices that can be connected by a network
2.	Explain the main differences between desktop computers, mid-range computers, and mainframes
3.	Describe two ways to connect a peripheral device to a network

Key Point
Computers are the most common endpoints of a network; they perform unique tasks based on their size.

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