Network Hardware

Network Hardware

1. Wires

   • Fibre Optic
     • These cables are made of glass to let light through. Light is the fastest thing known to us, so using it increase data transfer speeds.
   • Coaxial
     • A copper wire with a metal shield that blocks signal interference.
   • Twisted Pair
     • Two conductors that are twisted together. Sends the data in parallel lines.

2. Hardware

   • WAP
     • Wireless access point that allows devices to connect to a wired network via Wi-Fi.
   • Router
     • A router can connect two or more networks together. Can be used to connect the network to the internet.
   • Hub
     • This device connects other devices together to make a LAN. It broadcasts the message to find the recipient. It is a dumb device.
   • Switch
     • A switch connects devices together to make a LAN. It is a smart device as it checks who the message is addressed to and only sends it to that device.
   • Bridge
     • This device links two different parts of the same LAN so that both of them act like they are part of the same LAN.
   • Server
     • A computer that is dedicated to responding to requests made by its client.
     • Can give access to files,email,web and printers.
   • NIC
     • Network Interface Card
       • This is built into the computer and it allows any device to connect to the network.
   • Modem
     • This provides connection to the network via dialup connections using telephone lines.