Network Hardware

Network Hardware

Network hardware refers to the physical devices necessary for communication and interaction between various linked systems on a network. This includes routers, switches, hubs, modems, and network interface cards (NICs) among others.

Routers

  • A router is a network device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It connects multiple networks together, such as a home network with the internet.

  • Routers direct traffic on the internet by analysing the destination address of data packets and choosing the best route for them to reach their destination.

  • Most domestic routers also function as wireless access points and modems.

Switches

  • A network switch is a device that directs and controls data flow between devices on a network.

  • It works by receiving and processing data frames, looking at the destination address, and forwarding the frames to the appropriate port or device.

  • Switches operate at a high speed and often have ample capacity, allowing for minimal data transfer delay.

Hubs

  • A network hub is a simple device that connects multiple ethernet devices together, making them act as a single network segment.

  • Unlike switches, hubs do not manage any of the data they receive. They send incoming data packets out to all other devices on the network.

Modems

  • A modem is a device that modulates and demodulates data for transmission.

  • It connects a network to the internet. Modems can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into routers.

  • Modems convert the digital data from a computer into a format suitable for transmission over phone or cable lines and then decodes the data back into digital format.

Network Interface Cards (NICs)

  • A network interface card (NIC) is a circuit board or card that is installed in a computer so it can connect to a network.

  • Every NIC has a unique MAC address that identifies the device on the network.

  • NICs can be wired or wireless. They are responsible for converting data into a format for transmission and then converting received data into a readable format.