An Overview of Network Hardware

For the uninitiated, network design can be a daunting subject with its seemingly mystical jargon and ever changing protocols. However, once you have a basic knowledge of the equipment involved, myths about networking will be dispelled. The following will walk you through the basic building blocks of a computer network.

While it's possible to create a network by simply connecting two computers together with an Ethernet cable or wireless router, most modern networks are more complex. Most corporate networks connect more than ten computers together along with internet connections and network peripherals.

Modems

Most networks will share an internet connection. Traditionally, modems were designed for dial-up connections but cable/DSL modems are now the norm. Newer cable/DSL modems can handle up to 10 Mbps Ethernet connections, although most internet service providers won't match the higher speeds. Those corporations with higher bandwidth needs require multiple modems with multiple internet connections.

Routers

The router is the basic building block of most home networks. It provides the essential connection between the home network, which is a local area network (LAN), and the internet, which is a wide area network (WAN). Most home network routers will also act as a switch which will allow all computers and peripherals on the network to communicate with each other, either wirelessly or through Ethernet cables. In larger office networks, the router (or often a gateway) and switch will be separate hardware devices.

Switches and hubs

Switches and hubs allow computers and other devices within a network to communicate with each other. However, there are several fundamental differences between the two. A hub allows a number of devices, between 4 and 24, on a network to communicate with each other over the network. However, the devices don't read data that passes through them. So, data sent by one device can be seen by all the interconnected devices.

A switch, however, can determine the data's intended destination and can send it only to its intended recipient. The difference between a hub and a switch won't be noticeable on smaller, home networks with only a few computers and peripherals. However, on larger or particularly busy networks switches offer substantial benefits.

In the past, network adapters, which were needed to connect a computer to a network, were often a necessity but are built-in to all commercially available computer. And, as wireless networks continue to grow in popularity, Ethernet cabling is becoming obsolete.

 

Written by: Frank J Klein - CIO

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