The modern data network has become a critical asset for many industries. Most basic data networks are designed to connect users and enable them to access various resources, like the Internet and other computers connected to the network. Networks are comprised of four basic elements: hardware, software, protocols and the connection medium. All data networks are comprised of these elements, and cannot function without them.
Hardware
The backbone of any network is the hardware that runs it. Network hardware includes network cards, routers or network switches, modems and Ethernet repeaters. Without this hardware, computers have no means of accessing a network. Network cards give computers direct access to network media and enable them to connect to other equipment, including routers, switches, modems and repeaters. Routers or switches allow a single network connection from a modem to be divided between several computers. Repeaters refresh the network signal between Ethernet cable segments, allowing Category 5 cables to reach beyond their 300-foot maximum length without signal loss.
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Software
In order for the hardware to interact with the network, it needs software to issue commands. The primary form of networking software is protocols -- software that instructs network devices on how to connect to the network and how to interact with one another. Other examples of networking software include connection monitoring software, networking clients and other tools designed to further facilitate your computer's ability to connect to the network.
Client Devices
Client devices are the computers and mobile devices connected to the network. Client devices are vital components of a network, as without clients requiring access the network is essentially pointless. In order to classify as a client device, a computer or mobile device must be able to connect to the network and utilize it. Depending on the network, client devices may also require specialized software to establish a connection.
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Connection Media
Without connections, a network cannot function. The medium used to connect the nodes of a network varies with the type of network. Wired networks will often use network cables like Category 5 Ethernet cables, while wireless networks make direct connections between devices using radio signals as the medium.
Other Models
While this model lists the four elements of a data network as hardware, software, client devices and connection media, it is not the only model for data networks -- it's also not the only model using a "four elements" arrangement. For example, the TCP/IP model also uses four elements, listed as the link, network, transport and application layers of the TCP/IP protocol. The University of Illinois instead uses network speed, network size, connection methods and data and file sharing as the four defining characteristics of a network. Other, more complicated models exist such as the OSI Network Model Standard, which consists of a seven-point layer approach similar to the TCP/IP model.
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