BASIC NETWORK HARDWARE

Basic Network Hardware

Computer NetworkComputer EngineeringMCA

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The basic computer hardware components that are needed to set up a network are as follows:

Network Cables

Network cables are the transmission media to transfer data from one device to another. A commonly used network cable is category 5 cable with RJ – 45 connectors, as shown in the image below:

Routers

A router is a connecting device that transfers data packets between different computer networks. Typically, they are used to connect a PC or an organization’s LAN to a broadband internet connection. They contain RJ-45 ports so that computers and other devices can connect with them using network cables.

Repeaters, Hubs, and Switches

Repeaters, hubs, and switches connect network devices together so that they can function as a single segment.

A repeater receives a signal and regenerates it before re-transmitting so that it can travel longer distances.

A hub is a multiport repeater having several input/output ports, so that input at any port is available at every other port.

A switch receives data from a port, uses packet switching to resolve the destination device and then forwards the data to the particular destination, rather than broadcasting it as a hub.

Bridges

A bridge connects two separate Ethernet network segments. It forwards packets from the source network to the destined network.

Gateways

A gateway connects entirely different networks that work upon different protocols. It is the entry and the exit point of a network and controls access to other networks.

Network Interface Cards

NIC is a component of the computer to connect it to a network. Network cards are of two types: Internal network cards and external network cards.

Posted by DozMan DMF. A computer guru and a professional blogger with high sense of quality.