Chapter 1, Problem R1RQ

What is the difference between a host and an end system? List several different types of end systems. Is a Web server an end system?

Program Plan Intro

Host:

• A host is a computer system or any device connected to other system or device in a network to exchange data.
• A network host provides required information or data resources, services, applications and many others to other users present in the network.
• It can be a network node related to the network address.

End System:

End systems are the computer systems used for communicating with the required information over the network. As the name suggests, these computer systems are placed at the edge of the network. The user interacts or communicates through the end systems are termed as end users.

Web Server:

Web server is a server related to both hardware and software components to serve the World Wide Web (WWW). A successful web server can have a standardized connection with external programs to exchange the messages and also to provide response to their requests.

Explanation of Solution

Differences between host and end system:

There is no difference between host and end system. In network, all the devices and systems are termed as host or end system. So, they can be used alternatively throughout the network.

Types of end systems:

The different types of end systems are as follows

• Personal Computer Systems
• Workstations
• Web Servers
• E-mail Servers
• Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
• Television
• Mobiles
• Internet connected devices and many others

Web server as an end system:

“Yes” web server can be termed as end system.

Reason:

• The web server interfaces are used to increase the efficiency of the web server by providing more services.
• The web server describes the connection with external programs to exchange the required information or data.