When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn 
What is a Node?
In computing, a node is a physical or logical connection point in a computer network or data structure. Nodes are the building blocks that provide the infrastructure for network operations and data frameworks.
Key Takeaways
- A node is a physical or logical connection point.
- Nodes provide the infrastructure for network operations and data frameworks.
- In computing, the two main types of nodes are network nodes and data structure nodes.
- Network nodes facilitate communication.
- Data structure nodes facilitate the way computer programs retrieve data.
Types of Nodes
There are two main types of nodes in computing: network nodes and data structure nodes.
Key Features of Nodes
The specific features of a network or data structure node can vary depending on the context.
Network nodes
- An intermediary node will have features like routing tables, forwarding logic for packets, and network interfaces.
- A server node will have processing capabilities, storage capacity, and the ability to run various applications and services.
- An Internet of Things (IoT) network node is a sensor with capabilities for data collection and transmission.
Data structure nodes
- A node in a linked list will typically contain data and a pointer to the next node.
- A node in a tree structure will contain data, pointers to child nodes, and potentially a pointer to the parent node.
- A node in a graph database will contain data and references to its connected neighbors.
What Does a Network Node Do?
Network nodes support communication and data exchange on wired and wireless networks.
Each network node typically has its own unique IP address to facilitate routing and provide network services. Network nodes can also enhance network security by controlling access and managing traffic flow.
Components of Network Nodes
Network nodes can be physical or logical depending on their role and their function within a network.
Physical network nodes are hardware devices like computers, routers, and networked peripherals.
In contrast, logical nodes are virtual machines (VMs), containers, or software instances that perform network functions without being tied to specific physical hardware.
Network Node Architecture
An infrastructure’s architecture determines how nodes are connected, as well as how they interact.
Popular types of network node architectures include:
How to Map Network Nodes
Network nodes can be mapped by using a combination of discovery techniques and data collection methods.
Network scanning tools like Nmap can provide a foundation for the map.
Then protocols like Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) can be used to gather information about networked devices, their configurations, and their connections to provide a more detailed representation of the network topology for network management and troubleshooting.
Once the relevant data has been collected, it can be used to create a map that illustrates the relationships and interdependencies between different nodes within the network.
The resulting map, which can be created manually or with network mapping software, will illustrate connections between nodes, their roles, and their interdependencies.
Network Nodes Examples
Network nodes can be categorized based on their location and function within the network architecture.
Examples include:
- Gateway nodes provide entry/exit points to other networks.
- Edge nodes interact directly with users or external systems.
- Station nodes can originate, receive, or relay information. (If a network node relays information, it may also be called a store-and-forward node.)
- Routers forward data packets within and between networks.
- Switches directly connect devices within a network.
- Servers provide network services and resources.
- End devices are clients that connect to the network.
- Blockchain nodes maintain a blockchain network’s distributed ledger and validate transactions.
Function: Acts as an entry/exit point for a network, connecting it to other networks or the Internet.
Examples: Routers, firewalls, proxies.
Function: Located at the periphery of a network, often serving as the first point of contact for incoming traffic or providing services closer to end-users.
Examples: Content Delivery Network (CDN) servers, edge computing devices, IoT gateways.
Function: Can originate, receive, and relay information. May also be called a store-and-forward node if it buffers data before forwarding.
Examples: Computers, smartphones, and servers that act as intermediaries in data transmission.
Function: Forwards data packets between different networks based on their destination addresses.
Examples: Home routers, enterprise routers, and core routers in the Internet backbone.
Function: Connects multiple devices within a single network to enable communication between them.
Examples: Ethernet switches and network hubs (although less common now).
Function: Provides various network services and resources to other nodes in the network.
Examples: Web servers, file servers, email servers, database servers.
Network Nodes Applications
Network nodes have various uses across different fields.
Here are some common applications of network nodes:
The Bottom Line
To be accurate and helpful, node definitions need to address how the term is used in both networking and data structure.
The term has distinct meanings in each context. In networking, a node refers to any network device that can send, receive, or forward data.
In data structures, a node is an individual element within the structure that represents or stores data and may contain references or links to other nodes.
