Networking Hardware Components

All computer networks are made of basic hardware components that work in tandem for optimal operation. The basic building blocks of a network include network interface cards, also known as NICs, repeaters, hubs, bridges, switches and routers. These components are generally connected together with galvanic cable or optical cable.

Network Interface Cards

With the importance of connectivity today, network interface cards or network adapters are necessary for communicating over a computer network. This piece of hardware provides physical access to the network medium and has its own unique identifier which is found on the chip mounted to the card.

Repeaters

A repeater, the next component of a computer network is an electronic device that takes in a signal, cleans the signal of unnecessary noise, regenerates the signal and then transmits it at a higher level. Repeaters also transmit signals over obstructions, enabling them to cover longer distances without degrading. A hub is a repeater with multiple ports. Repeaters take a bit of time to regenerate signals which often leads to a delay when there are several repeaters in a row. The number of repeaters is often limited in network architectures.

Bridges

In an Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, bridges connect multiple network segments at the protocol layer or data link layer. Bridges broadcast to all ports in the network except for the port where the broadcast was originally received. Once bridges associate a port with a Media Access Control (MAC) address, they send traffic for that address to only that particular port. They do this by storing the source address. There are three types of bridges in a computer network: local bridges, remote bridges and wireless bridges. Local bridges directly connect to LANs (local area networks). Remote bridges are used to create a WAN (wide area network) link between LANs. Wireless bridges connect LANs or join remote stations to LANs.

Network Switch

A network switch is a device that filters and forwards chunks of data communication between ports through connected cables based on the MAC addresses in the data packets. A switch is different than a hub as it only forwards the information to the ports directly related to the communication rather than all connected ports. Switches have numerous ports and some models are capable of routing information. These are referred to as multi-layer switches.

Routers

Another essential component in the set up of a computer network is a router. This internetworking device forwards data packets between networks by processing the information found in the packets. A router is connected to at least two networks, usually WANS or LANS or a LAN and an ISP network. Routers are critical for keeping data flowing between networks and keeping those networks connected to the Internet.

There are several vital components involved in the makeup of a computer network. All of these components work together to keep people connected to their information systems. Find all of these necessary building blocks at online retailers like WISP Gear, whose goal is to exceed your expectations.