What is a "host"? | Discussion with network teacher – Is a host a terminal device?
Hello dear networkers,
I had a discussion with my networking teacher, who defined a "host" as "a device connected to a computer network with an IP address (PC, server, network printer)."
Personally, I struggle with this definition because, as I understand it, a host is a central device that "hosts" various services or resources. This could be a game server, Active Directories, file server, or something similar.
In my opinion, a "host" has absolutely nothing to do with a device connected to the network; on the contrary, it serves as THE central point for providing resources to other devices on the network, such as the PCs or laptops of a company's employees.
At the moment, my teacher and I can't find common ground.
How do you see this?
I'm curious about your thoughts on this topic. How do you define a "host" (in the context of computer networks)?
(1 votes)
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In the context of the TCP/IP suite, a host of each terminal that has IP connectivity is.
Teacher is right. A host is a device that automatically provides resources in the network. However, it is strictly irrelevant whether it is a physical or virtual host; but you always define the host abstract physically. It is common to both that they must be accessible via this in a defined network area.
See
https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/host
In a computer network you can define a host as a terminal. If it is not an explicit virtual host then it is always physical.
A host is a computer running something. It doesn’t even have to be a server!
For example, a virtual machine can run on a tow. The tug is then the host of this machine. But also the VM itself is a host on which a operating system runs under which software provides various services (web server, database, etc.).
And each host is also a terminal because a host can also use services provided by other hosts in the network.
I think the definition of your teacher is a little detailed, but in this case it is correct.
Unscientific:
A host is for me – seen abstract – a tool that is used on the server side and thus just no end device. With this one has little to do as a “simple” user. He only provides services that use an end device.
The things your teacher has to do with a nem host.
But: in school and university, what is in the schoolbook or the teacher has taught. “Interventions” are appropriate in class, but not in test, work, exam, …
I give you absolutely right, as a host must not be physical either. Devices are, however, always physical by definition.