Networking Components

Networking Components  What are networking components? Networking components are those components which are necessary to set up a wired networking in a group of computers. There are several types of networking components such as a network card, networking cable, modem, hub, switch, router etc.  Functions of Different Networking Components: 1. Network Card: A network card works as a middleman between a computer and a data network. It is used to physically attach a computer to a network so that it can take part in network communication. NIC (network interface card) or Ethernet network card is the most used network card. 2. Networking Cable: Networking cables or Ethernet cables are used to supply an internet connection, connect devices to a local network. The most common use for an Ethernet cable is connecting a Wi-Fi router or modem to the internet entry port or telephone line. Modern Ethernet networks use twisted pair cable, having eight wires. They are arranged in a

special order, and an RJ-45 connector is crimped at both ends of the cable. 3. Modem: Modem is short for \"Modulator-Demodulator.\" It is a hardware component that allows a computer or another device, such as a router or switch, to connect to the Internet. It converts or modulates the digital signals of a computer into analog signals to enable their transmission via phone lines. Similarly, it converts digital data from a computer or other device into an analog signal that can be sent over standard telephone lines. It comes as a separate part that can be installed on the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slots found on the mother board.

4. HUB: A hub is a physical layer networking device which is used to connect multiple devices in a network. It has many ports in it. When a computer sends a request in a network; it is first sent to the hub by the cable. The hub then transmits that request to all other computers in the network, which check whether the message belongs to them or not. If not, then the message is dropped. This process is called broadcasting.

5. Switch: A switch has many ports, to which computers are plugged in. When a data frame arrives at any port of a network switch, it examines the destination address, performs necessary checks, and sends the frame to the corresponding devices. This way, the switch provides a direct connection between the source and destination. As a result, the speed of the network increases.

6. Router: Routers connect computers and other devices to the Internet for example, a LAN with WAN. A router acts as a dispatcher, choosing the best route for your information to travel. It, therefore, helps to decrease the time of transmitting the message.