Host

In networking, a host is any device connected to a computer network that can send or receive information. These devices are assigned at least one network address, like an IP address, which allows them to be uniquely identified on the network. While the term "host" is often used interchangeably with "server," they are not the same. A host can be a client, a server, or a peer in a peer-to-peer network. In contrast, a network node is a broader term that includes hosts and other networking equipment that do not directly participate in user applications, such as routers or switches. Every host is a node, but not every node is a host. Examples of Hosts

* Computers: Your desktop PC, laptop, or server.
* Mobile Devices: Your smartphone or tablet.
* Peripherals: A networked printer or a network-attached storage (NAS) device.
* Internet of Things (IoT) devices: Smart home devices like thermostats or security cameras.

A host can function in different ways:

* Server: A host that provides services, resources, or data to other devices (clients) on the network.
* Client: A host that requests services or resources from a server.
* Peer: In a peer-to-peer network, a host that both provides and requests services to and from other hosts.

What is a Host? This video provides a simple and clear explanation of what a network host is.

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Node

An example of a node that is not a host is a router. A node is any device connected to a network, including computers, routers, and switches. A host, however, is a specific type of node that can be assigned an IP address and participate in user applications, like a computer or a smartphone. A router's primary function is to direct traffic between networks. It forwards data packets to their intended destinations but doesn't originate or terminate the data itself in the way a host does. While a router is a network device and thus a node, it doesn't run user applications or directly serve content, so it's not considered a host.