Editing Node (networking) (section)

== Computer networks ==
In data communication, a physical network node may either be [[data communication equipment]] (DCE) such as a [[modem]], [[Network hub|hub]], [[Network bridge|bridge]] or [[Network switch|switch]]; or [[data terminal equipment]] (DTE) such as a digital telephone handset, a printer or a [[host computer]].
 
If a network is a [[local area network]] (LAN) or [[wide area network]] (WAN), every LAN or WAN node that participates on the [[data link layer]] must have a [[network address]], typically one for each [[network interface controller]] it possesses. Examples are computers, a [[DSL modem]] with Ethernet interface and [[wireless access point]]. Equipment, such as an [[Ethernet hub]] or modem with [[serial interface]], that operates only below the data link layer does not require a network address.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/networking-a-complete-guide | title=Networking-a-complete-guide | website=[[IBM]] }}</ref>

If the network in question is the [[Internet]] or an [[intranet]], many physical network nodes are host computers, also known as ''Internet nodes'', identified by an [[IP address]], and all hosts are physical network nodes. However, some data-link-layer devices such as switches, bridges and wireless access points do not have an IP host address (except sometimes for administrative purposes), and are not considered to be Internet nodes or hosts, but are considered physical network nodes and LAN nodes.