A host in computer networking is a device attached to a network. It is used to communicate with each other. The client and server can receive, send, and share all data. The host is also known as the “network host.” The host uses different data-sharing protocols, like TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
When a computer is connected to the network, it shares information, applications, and services with the other hosts or nodes on the network. In this article, you will learn about a host in computer networking, its examples, applications, and its Benefits. You will also learn some interesting facts about it that will surprise you.
Examples of Hosts in Computer Networks
Almost all types of computers serve as hosts in computer networking. Anyone can send and receive data using these devices. Electronic devices like PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, smart TVs, and routers are typical examples of hosts in computer networks.
Host Address in Computer Network
A host address in a computer network is a unique number given to the specific device with a network. This particular address permits communication with other hosts on this network.
The host address is used to identify a particular device linked to the network. It is commonly given to an Internet Protocol (IP) address, which can be IPv9 (like 192.157.1.1). The host address is essential to sending the data to the right destination. This host address is also known as the host ID in the computer network.
Difference Between Host vs Server
The terms “host” and “Server” are mostly used in computer networking. These are quite different concepts in computer networking. Let’s clear this concept right now.
Host:
A host is a device attached to a network that sends, receives, and shares data from one system to another. Typical examples include mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and printers.
Purpose:
These hosts can be used for different purposes, such as browsing the Internet, sending messages, emails, videos, and audio, and running other applications.
Server:
A server is a special host that gives resources to other devices (Clients) on the network. It is developed to manage, send, receive, and store all data to client hosts.
Purpose:
The server is used for specific tasks, such as storing files, managing mail, hosting websites, and running databases. It runs particular software to fulfill these roles.
Use of Host Name in Computer Network
The hostname is commonly used in computer networking because it is assigned to the hosting device in the network. It is used to access the device quickly instead of using the numerical IP address. It helps the user to remember and access devices on a network. Users using the hostname do not need to remember their IP addresses.
Typical Example:
If you have a website server with an IP address of 192.178.2.13, you can give this IP address hostname as a webserver.local. Users will be able to connect easily using http://webserver.local instead of the IP address.
Conclusion:
In computer networking, a host is a device connected to a computer network that can send, receive, store, and process data according to given instructions. The host is the backbone of computer networking and plays a critical role in computer networking strategies.
It helps them share data with other computers connected to this network. The host can be a PC, mobile device, laptop, or tablet. The host uses different network protocols, like TCP/IP, which are important in network communication.
Some Interesting and Surprising Facts About the Host in Computer Networking
- The 1st computer network was made in 1960.
- The 1st commercial network was developed in 1979.
- The 1st wireless router was made in 1999 by a company called Aironot
- The Internet is the most extensive computer network system.
- Artificial Intelligence is the advanced branch of computer networking systems.
FAQs About Hosting in Computer Networking
In this section, you will learn frequently asked questions about how to host in computer networking. You can also ask any questions in the comment section.
What is a Local Host in a Computer Network?
In computer networking, the word local host means the computer currently used to perform a specific task. It is recognized by the IP address 127.0.0.1 and is used for internal networking, such as sending, receiving, testing, and storing data.
What is a Host Server?
The host server is a special kind of computer that provides resources, services, and high-speed data to the server. It is also called the server. These types of computers are used for specific tasks and contain advanced hardware and software.
What is the Difference Between Host and Network Address?
The network address is used to identify the network and its performance, speed, and coverage. The IP address can define the network address. In contrast, the host address is used to identify the specific device linked to that network.
What is a Host in Computer Networking, and How Does It Work?
A computer networking host is a machine connected to the network. It can communicate with other devices and uses a network protocol to send and receive data from different devices. The host is basically a bridge between different computers in the network. It takes data from one device and sends it to the target. When you have advanced network strategies, your system speed remains optimized.
What is Called a Host Computer?
A host computer is a device that communicates with other devices in the network. It can be identified by a unique IP address and is eligible to perform different computing tasks.
