Computer Network Components
Computer network components are essential for installing and operating a
network. Key components include NIC, switch, cable, hub, router, and modem.
Depending on the type of network being installed, some components may not be
necessary. For instance, a wireless network does not require cables.
The major components required to install a network are:
NIC (Network Interface Card)
- A hardware component used to connect a computer to a network.
- Supports transfer rates of 10, 100, or 1000 Mb/s.
- The MAC address, or physical address, is encoded on the network card chip and uniquely identifies the network card. This address, assigned by the IEEE, is stored in the PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory).
There are two types of NIC:
- wired NIC
- wireless NIC
Wired NIC: The wired NIC is integrated into
the motherboard. It uses cables and connectors to transfer data.
Wireless NIC: The wireless NIC includes an
antenna to establish connections over a wireless network. For example, a
laptop computer typically has a wireless NIC.
Hub
A hub is a hardware device that distributes the network connection among
multiple devices. When a computer requests information from the network,
it sends the request to the hub via a cable. The hub then broadcasts
this request to the entire network. Each device checks if the request is
intended for it; if not, the request is ignored.
This process consumes more bandwidth and limits communication
efficiency. Today, hubs are largely obsolete and have been replaced by
more advanced network components such as switches and routers.
Switch
A switch is a hardware device that connects multiple devices on a computer
network and offers more advanced features than a hub. It uses an updated
table to decide where to transmit data. Unlike a hub, a switch does not
broadcast messages to the entire network. Instead, it directs the message
to the correct destination based on the physical address in the incoming
message. This direct connection between the source and destination
increases the speed and efficiency of the network.
Router
- A router connects a LAN to an internet connection.
- It receives, analyzes, and forwards incoming packets to other networks.
- Operates at Layer 3 (Network layer) of the OSI Reference Model.
- Uses information in its routing table to forward packets.
- Determines the best path for packet transmission from available options.
Advantages of Router
Security: The information transmitted over the network travels
through the entire cable, but only the addressed device can read the
data.
Reliability: If the server stops functioning, the network it
serves goes down, but other networks connected by the router remain
unaffected.
Performance: Routers enhance overall network performance. For
example, if a network with 24 workstations generates a high traffic
load, the router can split it into two networks of 12 workstations each,
reducing the traffic load by half.
Network Range:
Modem
- A modem allows a computer to connect to the internet over a telephone line.
- It is installed in the PCI slot on the motherboard, not integrated into it.
- Stands for Modulator/Demodulator.
- Converts digital data into an analog signal for transmission over telephone lines.
Based on differences in speed and transmission rate, modems can be
classified into the following categories:
- Standard PC modem or Dial-up modem
- Cellular Modem
- Cable modem
Cables and Connectors
Cable is a transmission medium used for transmitting signals.
The three types of cables used in transmission are:
- Twisted pair cable
- Coaxial cable
- Fiber-optic cable
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