Network Components

Network Components

1. Router

   • A router transfers data from one network to another
     • Forwards packets to their destination by the most efficient router

2. Access Points and AD-HOC Networks

   • A WAP is only the antennas on top of the router. It allows devices to connect to the router without wires.
     • Not all routers are wireless routers
     • You can find wireless routers in peoples homes. Company's install them so people can connect to a home network. A company rents the usage of cables and provides the service
   • AD-HOC network creates a network between just two devices. It doesn't need a router.
     • An example of AD-HOC network is bluetooth

3. Switches

   • Switches turn connections between machines on and off when they are needed to avoid these data collisions
   • Connected using ethernet cables
   • If two or more computers want to take a data packet at the same time then a data collision will take place

4. Network Interface Card

   • Network Interface Cards come in wired or wireless forms.
     • They are fitted into a computer or laptop so that they can be connected to a network

5. Network Media

   • Copper Cable
     • Used to wire homes since the telephone became popular over 100 years ago
     • Perfect to send across a voice signal but has a very limited bandwidth
   • Fibre Optic Cable
     • Refers to technology that transmits data through thin strands of a highly transparent material usually made from glass
     • Fibre Optic Communications were launched in the 1970's through the first fiber optic telecommunications network were not installed until the early 1980's

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