1.3.3 End devices
The following animation shows an IP packet being sent from one end device to another. Click on the full screen button to view.
The network devices that people are most familiar with are called end devices. All computers connected to a network that participate directly in network communication are classified as hosts. These devices form the interface between users and the underlying communication network.
Some examples of end devices are:
- computers (workstations, laptops, file servers, and web servers)
- nsetwork printers
- VoIP phones
- TelePresence endpoints
- security cameras
- mobile handheld devices (smartphones, tablets, PDAs, and wireless debit/credit card readers and barcode scanners) sensors such as thermometers, weight scales, and other devices that will be connected to the IoE.
End devices are either the source or destination of data transmitted over the network. In order to distinguish one end device from another, each end device on a network is identified by an address. When an end device initiates communication, it uses the address of the destination end device to specify where the message should be sent.
A server is an end device that has software installed that enables it to provide information, like email or web pages, to other end devices on the network. For example, a server requires web server software to provide web services to the network.
A client is an end device that has software installed to enable it to request and display the information obtained from a server. An example of client software is a web browser, like internet Explorer. Figure 8 provides a brief description of each. Press each plus symbol to view the end device to server interaction.