Computer Networking Hardware – A Closer Look
Hardware plays one of the most important roles when it comes to computer networking. Unlike other domains of information technology industry, networking is fully supported on more hardware and less software. Let’s discuss briefly about the computer networking hardware found in standard computer networks.
Network interface cards
When it comes to computer networking hardware, there is no networking exist without the use of network interface cards or devices. The network interface cards connect the RJ45 cables, or in other words ‘network cables’, to the computers. The network interface cards are available in different forms for different computers. As examples, PCI card form is available for desktops, USB dongle variety is available for any type of computer, and PCMCA card variety is available for laptop computers.
Network cables
Network cables connect the computers and the rest of the computer network hardware. There are different types of network cables available for different types of computer networks. Although the copper coaxial cables are not in use any longer, the descendent, multi-core RJ45 cables are the widely used type. Fiber optic cables are the best for high speed links and Internet backbones as they provide the highest bandwidths at the moment.
Routers (wired / wireless)
When it comes to computer networking hardware, routers play a significant role. They connect you with the rest of the world and enable you to find the information on the Internet and in the local network. For different purposes and network types, there are different types of routers. The price and the abilities of these routers vary depending on the purpose. When it comes to wireless routers, they are the latest addition to the class of computer networking hardware. Reduction of the mammoth wiring and users being able be moving are two main advantages of wireless routers.
Hubs
Hubs behave the same way as routers but does not route your to the Internet or external networks located beyond your local area network. Hubs do an effective job when it comes to connecting computers within a limited geographical area such as a floor of a building. Hubs are commonly less expensive compared to the rest of the computer networking hardware.
Switches
When a network is required to be connected to an external network, then switches deliver the best results out of all computer networking hardware. As an example, if two local area networks (LANs) are to be connected together, usually a switch is used. Since most of the switches are programmable, you can use switches to define how your network should behave when interface with external networks.
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