Network hardware components from "summary" of Network+ Guide to Networks by Tamara Dean
This topic covers the essential hardware components of a network, such as routers, switches, hubs, access points, and firewalls. These tools are used to connect devices together and protect networks from unauthorized access. This discussion provides an overview of these components and their uses.- Network hardware components are the physical parts of a computer network that enable it to operate and process data. These essential pieces of equipment include networking cables, switches, routers, hubs, access points, and communication servers.
- Switches help direct or manage the flow of data within a single LAN by connecting all computers and devices together. A switch acts like a traffic cop for a network making sure each packet of data reaches its intended destination quickly.
- Routers allow multiple networks to connect with one another. They create paths so packets can be routed between different subnets. Furthermore, they offer added security benefits helping protect against unauthorized access.
- Hubs serve as waypoints or connections between two or more separate pieces of network cable. As a result, this type of component will often be found at the heart of an Ethernet network architecture.
- Cable is the most common form of network connection. This media carries signals over its length from one device to another across a network. It can be used to join machines in local networks as well as wider metropolitan area networks.
- Access points are special networking devices designed to wirelessly connect clients (e.g laptops. to a specific network. In essence, this network hardware component Broadcast an SSID (Service Set Identifier., or unique identifier, throughout a wireless space allowing users to securely and easily connect to the network.
- Communications servers are specialized bits of hardware that control certain elements of communication within a larger network structure. Voice mail, email, data files, faxes and other types of data may be stored, sorted, delivered and managed here.
