Node

A node is a very essential part of computer networks. It is most commonly defined as a network point where lines intersect, hardware that is attached to a network, or a network terminal where messages can be produced, received and sent. A node can also be considered as any device attached to a computer network. I can be a computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a cell phone, router and various network-capable devices. In the field of telecommunications, a node is referred to as a specific location in a network. In CATV (cable television systems), the term has a broader context and is mostly associated with what is called a fiber optic node. In general, a node can be considered as a logical placeholder for data. In most instances, it contains units of data and possibly reference to other nodes. These interlinked points have the ability to become complex structures of data.