An end system is a device directly connected to the Internet, creating an interface that can be accessed by individual users. End systems take many forms. They allow users to interact directly with the Internet to send and receive data and can be used for everything from processing orders for a business to sending photos of a family vacation.
Personal computers and mobile devices are end systems that connect users directly to the Internet.
An example of an end system is a personal computer. The computer has applications that people can use to perform tasks like checking emails, surfing the Internet, sending files, and so on. In addition to personal computers, devices such as cameras can also be connected to the Internet as end systems, as seen when people use webcams to chat with each other.
End systems can be used to upload family vacation photos.
Users do not directly access other end systems, but facilitate communications over the Internet. This includes servers for data such as email and web pages. Users connect to these end systems through their own computers, which contact the server to access and transfer information. Together, they create an interconnected network of end systems that make up the architecture of the Internet that enables people to exchange information globally through a variety of channels.
The speed at which data can be transferred depends on several factors, including the location of the computers involved, the types of connections that have been established, and whether or not access controls are in place. Some Internet Service Providers, for example, limit their customers’ bandwidth transfers. These companies can monitor their traffic flows to ensure that their systems are not clogged with heavy user requests.
As a primary access point, an end system may be vulnerable. Viruses often target end systems, infect them, and establish a foothold that can be used to infect other end systems as the infected computer exchanges data with them. They also create security weaknesses, since a computer designed for data transfer can be hacked and used by unauthorized individuals who want to obtain proprietary information or access other private data.
In situations where an end system with sensitive data is used, a number of security measures can be taken to make it more secure. These measures include data encryption, limiting access to the device, and monitoring traffic for signs of anomalies that might suggest that someone unauthorized is accessing the computer. Backing up your data regularly to protect it from viruses and changing backup passwords is also a critical part of keeping your end system secure.
A personal computer is an example of an end system.
