Node

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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.

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What is a Node?

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.

Network node
Any device that is connected to a home network, local area network (LAN), or wide area network (WAN). 

Data structure nodes
Use nodes to store individual data elements in an organized manner for efficient data retrieval. The organization can be a linear sequence, a hierarchical structure, or a network of interconnected elements in a graph.

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:

Client-Server
Some nodes are clients that request service, and some nodes are servers that provide services.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
All nodes have equal status and can act as both clients and servers.

Mesh
Network nodes are interconnected with multiple paths to provide high redundancy and fault tolerance.

Hierarchical

Nodes are organized in a hierarchy; central nodes control or coordinate the actions of subordinate nodes.

Hybrid

Uses more than one protocol to route data. Combines elements of different architectures to meet specific network needs.

How to Map Network Nodes

Network nodes can be mapped by using a combination of discovery techniques and data collection methods.

  1. Network scanning tools like Nmap can provide a foundation for the map.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Gateway nodeEdge nodeStation nodeRouterSwitchServerEnd device

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.

Function: User devices that connect to the network to access resources and communicate with other nodes.

Examples: Laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, IoT edge devices.

Network Nodes Applications

Network Nodes Applications

Network nodes have various uses across different fields.

Here are some common applications of network nodes:

Data communication
Facilitate data transfers between networked devices for activities like browsing and text messaging.

Enterprise networking
Allow resource sharing and digital communication within large organizations.

Cloud computing
Nodes in cloud computing environments provide scalable computing resources, storage, and applications over the Internet.

Internet of Things
Sensor and smart device nodes collect and transmit data created by smart home and industrial systems.

Network security
Firewall and intrusion detection system nodes help protect the network from unauthorized access.

Telecommunications
Telecom nodes facilitate landline communications, VoIP services, video content delivery, and data transmission over long distances.
Content delivery
Content delivery network nodes cache content to improve load times and performance.
Data storage and management
Storage nodes provide centralized access to data and support efficient data management and retrieval.

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.

FAQs

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Margaret Rouse
Technology expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology expert

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of ​​a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.