Hardware Components

Hardware Components

1. Routers

   • Reads the data packets destination address
   • Look up all the paths it has avaliable to get to that address
   • Checks on how busy each path is as the moment
   • Sends the packets along the fastest path

2. Access points and ad-hoc networks

   • Ad- hoc network creates a network between just 2 devices. It has no need for a router for a bluetooth connection,
   • A wireless access point is basically the antennas on top of the router, it allows devices to connect to the router without wires.
   • You find them in the home and in public places.

3. Switches

   • A switch turns connections between machines on and off when needed to avoid data collisions.
   • A network cable can only have one data packet in it.

4. Network Interface Cards

   • They come in wired or wireless forms and are fitted into a computer or laptop so they can connect to a network.

5. Network Media

   • Copper cables
     • Copper cables have been used to wire homes to telephones
     • Its good to send across voice signals but has a very limited bandwidth
   • Fibere optic cables
     • transmits data through thin strands of a highly transparent material that usually is either glass or plastic

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