Front End Processor is a specialized computer with special software and hardware which controls a computer network. On most networks, ANY machine with a CPU is considered a host, even client computers. Organization of Network Nodes Hierarchical Network is a computer network which is controlled by a central host computer. Now they are called servers as every machine with a CPU is a host. In the old days, there was a host and then dumb terminals connected to it.
Any computer listening in can receive the data.
Repeaters are spaced at intervals throughout the length of a communication circuit. It also chooses the best route between two networks when there are multiple paths between them. Virtual networks can be created and network traffic can be selectively filtered. Protocols specific to the application Messages are transmitted from sender to receiver using protocols that exist in all layers. See fig 1-4 Page 20 .