4.1 An introduction to computer network hardware

Computer networks enable computers to communicate with each other and share data and information. There are many different types of computer networks.

 

Hardware

 

Component	Description
Router	A router is a device that connects, by forwarding packets between, different computer networks. It manages that data packet by: Deciding where it is going and the most efficient route to take by searching for and building a database or nearby IP address.
Hub and Switch	A hub joins together computers in a network. Switch are able to look at data packet, target the computer for which it is intended and send it.
Bridge	Bridge access data from other areas, connect LANs together and also can connect different types of network .
NIC	NIC (network interface card) used for link to the cable or to radio waves used to communicate across the network.
Wireless Technology	Wi-Fi  is a facility allowing computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the Internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area. Bluetooth is a standard for the short-range wireless interconnection of cellular phones, computers, and other electronic devices.
Modem	The role of modem is used to connect to the internet via a phone line. It converts the analogue signal from the phone line into a digital signal your network.

 

Communicating across a network

There are two different ways of transmitting data around a network: cables or wireless transmission. A wireless network will use radio waves to communicate.

Choosing media

The choice of cables or radio waves will depend on four factors:

1 The speed of data transmission required	Large computer networks are more likely to use cables because they allow a greater rate of data transfer.
2 The size of the computer network	Too many users on a wireless network will slow the speed of data transmission
3 The distance that data will need to travel	Most NICs can only send and receive radio signals over relatively short distances.
4 The need of portability devices	Laptops or netbook users might want access to the network as they move around, this might not be possible for a wired networks.