What are network links

Network

A network is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices, peripherals, or other devices connected to allow data sharing. An example of a network is the Internet, which connects millions of people all over the world. To the right is an example image of a home network with multiple computers and other network devices all connected.

Examples of network devices

Network topologies and types of networks

The term network topology describes the relationship of connected devices in terms of a geometric graph. Devices are represented as vertices, and their connections are represented as edges on the graph. It describes how many connections each device has, in what order, and what sort of hierarchy.

Most home networks are configured in a tree topology that connects to the Internet. Corporate networks often use tree topologies, but they also often incorporate star topologies and an Intranet.

What is the difference between public and private networks?

Often offered by nearby businesses and other publicly accessible areas, public networks are a convenient way to connect to the Internet.

All public networks are less secure than your home network. Even if the websites you visit use encryption, the URLs you visit can be eavesdropped. For this reason, you should not transmit private or sensitive information on a public Wi-Fi network if you can do it elsewhere. If a public network does not require a password, we strongly recommend you do not connect any of your devices to it.

Private networks have security measures in place to prevent unwanted or unauthorized connections. Private networks are often used for home, business, school Wi-Fi networks, or mobile hotspots for security and to preserve bandwidth.

Advantages of a network

There are more advantages to a network than disadvantages. In fact, many companies today wouldn’t exist without accessing some form of network. Below are the advantages of a network.

Disadvantages of a network

Although there are many advantages to a network (mentioned above), there are some disadvantages. Below are the disadvantages of a network.

What was the first computer network?

One of the first computer networks to use packet switching, ARPANET, was developed in the mid-1960s and is the direct predecessor of the modern Internet. The first ARPANET message was sent on October 29, 1969.

Chapter 1: What is a Network?

What is a Network?

A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

Two very common types of networks include:

You may also see references to a Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), a Wireless LAN (WLAN), or a Wireless WAN (WWAN).

Local Area Network

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to a relatively small area. It is generally limited to a geographic area such as a writing lab, school, or building.

Computers connected to a network are broadly categorized as servers or workstations. Servers are generally not used by humans directly, but rather run continuously to provide «services» to the other computers (and their human users) on the network. Services provided can include printing and faxing, software hosting, file storage and sharing, messaging, data storage and retrieval, complete access control (security) for the network’s resources, and many others.

Workstations are called such because they typically do have a human user which interacts with the network through them. Workstations were traditionally considered a desktop, consisting of a computer, keyboard, display, and mouse, or a laptop, with with integrated keyboard, display, and touchpad. With the advent of the tablet computer, and the touch screen devices such as iPad and iPhone, our definition of workstation is quickly evolving to include those devices, because of their ability to interact with the network and utilize network services.

Servers tend to be more powerful than workstations, although configurations are guided by needs. For example, a group of servers might be located in a secure area, away from humans, and only accessed through the network. In such cases, it would be common for the servers to operate without a dedicated display or keyboard. However, the size and speed of the server’s processor(s), hard drive, and main memory might add dramatically to the cost of the system. On the other hand, a workstation might not need as much storage or working memory, but might require an expensive display to accommodate the needs of its user. Every computer on a network should be appropriately configured for its use.

On a single LAN, computers and servers may be connected by cables or wirelessly. Wireless access to a wired network is made possible by wireless access points (WAPs). These WAP devices provide a bridge between computers and networks. A typical WAP might have the theoretical capacity to connect hundreds or even thousands of wireless users to a network, although practical capacity might be far less.

Nearly always servers will be connected by cables to the network, because the cable connections remain the fastest. Workstations which are stationary (desktops) are also usually connected by a cable to the network, although the cost of wireless adapters has dropped to the point that, when installing workstations in an existing facility with inadequate wiring, it can be easier and less expensive to use wireless for a desktop.

See the Topology, Cabling, and Hardware sections of this tutorial for more information on the configuration of a LAN.

Wide Area Network

Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect networks in larger geographic areas, such as Florida, the United States, or the world. Dedicated transoceanic cabling or satellite uplinks may be used to connect this type of global network.

Using a WAN, schools in Florida can communicate with places like Tokyo in a matter of seconds, without paying enormous phone bills. Two users a half-world apart with workstations equipped with microphones and a webcams might teleconference in real time. A WAN is complicated. It uses multiplexers, bridges, and routers to connect local and metropolitan networks to global communications networks like the Internet. To users, however, a WAN will not appear to be much different than a LAN.

Advantages of Installing a School Network

Disadvantages of Installing a School Network

4202 E. Fowler Ave., EDU162

Tampa, Florida 33620

Dr. Roy Winkelman, Director

This publication was produced under a grant from the Florida Department of Education.

The information contained in this document is based on information available at the time of publication and is subject to change. Although every reasonable effort has been made to include accurate information, the Florida Center for Instructional Technology makes no warranty of claims as to the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any particular purpose of the information provided herein. Nothing herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use any product or service in violation of existing patents or rights of third parties.

Produced by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology

College of Education, University of South Florida © 1997-2013

Networking

What is a computer network?

A computer network comprises two or more computers that are connected—either by cables (wired) or WiFi (wireless)—with the purpose of transmitting, exchanging, or sharing data and resources. You build a computer network using hardware (e.g., routers, switches, access points, and cables) and software (e.g., operating systems or business applications).

Geographic location often defines a computer network. For example, a LAN (local area network) connects computers in a defined physical space, like an office building, whereas a WAN (wide area network) can connect computers across continents. The internet is the largest example of a WAN, connecting billions of computers worldwide.

You can further define a computer network by the protocols it uses to communicate, the physical arrangement of its components, how it controls traffic, and its purpose.

Computer networks enable communication for every business, entertainment, and research purpose. The internet, online search, email, audio and video sharing, online commerce, live-streaming, and social networks all exist because of computer networks.

Computer network types

As networking needs evolved, so did the computer network types that serve those needs. Here are the most common and widely used computer network types:

LAN (local area network): A LAN connects computers over a relatively short distance, allowing them to share data, files, and resources. For example, a LAN may connect all the computers in an office building, school, or hospital. Typically, LANs are privately owned and managed.

WLAN (wireless local area network): A WLAN is just like a LAN but connections between devices on the network are made wirelessly.

WAN (wide area network): As the name implies, a WAN connects computers over a wide area, such as from region to region or even continent to continent. The internet is the largest WAN, connecting billions of computers worldwide. You will typically see collective or distributed ownership models for WAN management.

MAN (metropolitan area network): MANs are typically larger than LANs but smaller than WANs. Cities and government entities typically own and manage MANs.

PAN (personal area network): A PAN serves one person. For example, if you have an iPhone and a Mac, it’s very likely you’ve set up a PAN that shares and syncs content—text messages, emails, photos, and more—across both devices.

SAN (storage area network): A SAN is a specialized network that provides access to block-level storage—shared network or cloud storage that, to the user, looks and works like a storage drive that’s physically attached to a computer. (For more information on how a SAN works with block storage, see Block Storage: A Complete Guide.)

CAN (campus area network): A CAN is also known as a corporate area network. A CAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. CANs serve sites such as colleges, universities, and business campuses.

VPN (virtual private network): A VPN is a secure, point-to-point connection between two network end points (see ‘Nodes’ below). A VPN establishes an encrypted channel that keeps a user’s identity and access credentials, as well as any data transferred, inaccessible to hackers.

Important terms and concepts

The following are some common terms to know when discussing computer networking:

IP address: An IP address is a unique number assigned to every device connected to a network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. Each IP address identifies the device’s host network and the location of the device on the host network. When one device sends data to another, the data includes a ‘header’ that includes the IP address of the sending device and the IP address of the destination device.

Nodes: A node is a connection point inside a network that can receive, send, create, or store data. Each node requires you to provide some form of identification to receive access, like an IP address. A few examples of nodes include computers, printers, modems, bridges, and switches. A node is essentially any network device that can recognize, process, and transmit information to any other network node.

Routers: A router is a physical or virtual device that sends information contained in data packets between networks. Routers analyze data within the packets to determine the best way for the information to reach its ultimate destination. Routers forward data packets until they reach their destination node.

Switches: A switch is a device that connects other devices and manages node-to-node communication within a network, ensuring data packets reach their ultimate destination. While a router sends information between networks, a switch sends information between nodes in a single network. When discussing computer networks, ‘switching’ refers to how data is transferred between devices in a network. The three main types of switching are as follows:

Circuit switching, which establishes a dedicated communication path between nodes in a network. This dedicated path assures the full bandwidth is available during the transmission, meaning no other traffic can travel along that path.

Packet switching involves breaking down data into independent components called packets which, because of their small size, make fewer demands on the network. The packets travel through the network to their end destination.

Message switching sends a message in its entirety from the source node, traveling from switch to switch until it reaches its destination node.

Ports: A port identifies a specific connection between network devices. Each port is identified by a number. If you think of an IP address as comparable to the address of a hotel, then ports are the suites or room numbers within that hotel. Computers use port numbers to determine which application, service, or process should receive specific messages.

Network cable types: The most common network cable types are Ethernet twisted pair, coaxial, and fiber optic. The choice of cable type depends on the size of the network, the arrangement of network elements, and the physical distance between devices.

Examples of computer networks

The wired or wireless connection of two or more computers for the purpose of sharing data and resources form a computer network. Today, nearly every digital device belongs to a computer network.

In an office setting, you and your colleagues may share access to a printer or to a group messaging system. The computing network that allows this is likely a LAN or local area network that permits your department to share resources.

A city government might manage a city-wide network of surveillance cameras that monitor traffic flow and incidents. This network would be part of a MAN or metropolitan area network that allows city emergency personnel to respond to traffic accidents, advise drivers of alternate travel routes, and even send traffic tickets to drivers who run red lights.

The Weather Company worked to create a peer-to-peer mesh network that allows mobile devices to communicate directly with other mobile devices without requiring WiFi or cellular connectivity. The Mesh Network Alerts project allows the delivery of life-saving weather information to billions of people, even without an internet connection.

Computer networks and the internet

The internet is actually a network of networks that connects billions of digital devices worldwide. Standard protocols allow communication between these devices. Those protocols include hypertext transfer protocol (the ‘http’ in front of all website addresses). Internet protocol (or IP addresses) are the unique identifying numbers required of every device that accesses the internet. IP addresses are comparable to your mailing address, providing unique location information so that information can be delivered correctly.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Network Service Providers (NSPs) provide the infrastructure that allows the transmission of packets of data or information over the internet. Every bit of information sent over the internet doesn’t go to every device connected to the internet. It’s the combination of protocols and infrastructure that tells information exactly where to go.

How do they work?

Computer networks connect nodes like computers, routers, and switches using cables, fiber optics, or wireless signals. These connections allow devices in a network to communicate and share information and resources.

Networks follow protocols, which define how communications are sent and received. These protocols allow devices to communicate. Each device on a network uses an Internet Protocol or IP address, a string of numbers that uniquely identifies a device and allows other devices to recognize it.

Routers are virtual or physical devices that facilitate communications between different networks. Routers analyze information to determine the best way for data to reach its ultimate destination. Switches connect devices and manage node-to-node communication inside a network, ensuring that bundles of information traveling across the network reach their ultimate destination.

Architecture

Computer network architecture defines the physical and logical framework of a computer network. It outlines how computers are organized in the network and what tasks are assigned to those computers. Network architecture components include hardware, software, transmission media (wired or wireless), network topology, and communications protocols.

Main types of network architecture

There are two types of network architecture: peer-to-peer (P2P) and client/server. In P2P architecture, two or more computers are connected as “peers,” meaning they have equal power and privileges on the network. A P2P network does not require a central server for coordination. Instead, each computer on the network acts as both a client (a computer that needs to access a service) and a server (a computer that serves the needs of the client accessing a service). Each peer makes some of its resources available to the network, sharing storage, memory, bandwidth, and processing power.

In a client/server network, a central server or group of servers manage resources and deliver services to client devices in the network. The clients in the network communicate with other clients through the server. Unlike the P2P model, clients in a client/server architecture don’t share their resources. This architecture type is sometimes called a tiered model because it’s designed with multiple levels or tiers.

Network topology

Network topology refers to how the nodes and links in a network are arranged. A network node is a device that can send, receive, store, or forward data. A network link connects nodes and may be either cabled or wireless links.

Understanding topology types provides the basis for building a successful network. There are a number of topologies but the most common are bus, ring, star, and mesh:

A bus network topology is when every network node is directly connected to a main cable.

In a ring topology, nodes are connected in a loop, so each device has exactly two neighbors. Adjacent pairs are connected directly; non-adjacent pairs are connected indirectly through multiple nodes.

In a star network topology, all nodes are connected to a single, central hub and each node is indirectly connected through that hub.

A mesh topology is defined by overlapping connections between nodes. You can create a full mesh topology, where every node in the network is connected to every other node. You can also create partial mesh topology in which only some nodes are connected to each other and some are connected to the nodes with which they exchange the most data. Full mesh topology can be expensive and time-consuming to execute, which is why it’s often reserved for networks that require high redundancy. Partial mesh provides less redundancy but is more cost effective and simpler to execute.

Security

Computer network security protects the integrity of information contained by a network and controls who access that information. Network security policies balance the need to provide service to users with the need to control access to information.

There are many entry points to a network. These entry points include the hardware and software that comprise the network itself as well as the devices used to access the network, like computers, smartphones, and tablets. Because of these entry points, network security requires using several defense methods. Defenses may include firewalls—devices that monitor network traffic and prevent access to parts of the network based on security rules.

Processes for authenticating users with user IDs and passwords provide another layer of security. Security includes isolating network data so that proprietary or personal information is harder to access than less critical information. Other network security measures include ensuring hardware and software updates and patches are performed regularly, educating network users about their role in security processes, and staying aware of external threats executed by hackers and other malicious actors. Network threats constantly evolve, which makes network security a never-ending process.

The use of public cloud also requires updates to security procedures to ensure continued safety and access. A secure cloud demands a secure underlying network.

Read about the top five considerations (PDF, 298 KB) for securing the public cloud.

Mesh networks

As noted above, a mesh network is a topology type in which the nodes of a computer network connect to as many other nodes as possible. In this topology, nodes cooperate to efficiently route data to its destination. This topology provides greater fault tolerance because if one node fails, there are many other nodes that can transmit data. Mesh networks self-configure and self-organize, searching for the fastest, most reliable path on which to send information.

Type of mesh networks

There are two types of mesh networks—full mesh and partial mesh:

Load balancers and networks

Load balancers efficiently distribute tasks, workloads, and network traffic across available servers. Think of load balancers like air traffic control at an airport. The load balancer observes all traffic coming into a network and directs it toward the router or server best equipped to manage it. The objectives of load balancing are to avoid resource overload, optimize available resources, improve response times, and maximize throughput.

For a complete overview of load balancers, see Load Balancing: A Complete Guide.

Content delivery networks

A content delivery network (CDN) is a distributed server network that delivers temporarily stored, or cached, copies of website content to users based on the user’s geographic location. A CDN stores this content in distributed locations and serves it to users as a way to reduce the distance between your website visitors and your website server. Having cached content closer to your end users allows you to serve content faster and helps websites better reach a global audience. CDNs protect against traffic surges, reduce latency, decrease bandwidth consumption, accelerate load times, and lessen the impact of hacks and attacks by introducing a layer between the end user and your website infrastructure.

Live-streaming media, on-demand media, gaming companies, application creators, e-commerce sites—as digital consumption increases, more content owners turn to CDNs to better serve content consumers.

Computer networking solutions and IBM

Computer networking solutions help businesses enhance traffic, keep users happy, secure the network, and easily provision services. The best computer networking solution is typically a unique configuration based on your specific business type and needs.

Content delivery networks (CDNs), load balancers, and network security—all mentioned above—are examples of technologies that can help businesses craft optimal computer networking solutions. IBM offers additional networking solutions, including:

Networking services in IBM Cloud provide you with networking solutions to enhance your traffic, keep your users happy, and easily provision resources as you need them.

Build networking skills and get IBM Professional Certification through the courses within the Cloud Site Reliability Engineers (SRE) Professional curriculum.

Types of Computer Network: What is LAN, MAN and WAN

Updated July 2, 2022

What is a Computer Network?

A Computer Network is a group of two or more interconnected computer systems that use common connection protocols for sharing various resources and files. You can establish a computer network connection using either cable or wireless media. Every network involves hardware and software that connects computers and tools.

In this Computer networking tutorial, you will learn:

Different Types of Computer Networks

There are various types of Computer Networking options available. The classification of network in computers can be done according to their size as well as their purpose.

The size of a network should be expressed by the geographic area and number of computers, which are a part of their networks. It includes devices housed in a single room to millions of devices spread across the world. Following are the popular types of Computer Network:

Types of Computer Networks

Some of the most popular computer network types are:

Let’s study all of these types of networking in detail.

What is PAN (Personal Area Network)?

PAN (Personal Area Network) is a computer network formed around a person. It generally consists of a computer, mobile, or personal digital assistant. PAN can be used for establishing communication among these personal devices for connecting to a digital network and the internet.

Characteristics of PAN

Below are the main characteristics of PAN:

Advantages of PAN

Here are the important pros/benefits of PAN network:

Disadvantages of PAN

Here are the cons/drawbacks of using PAN network:

What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral devices which are connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home, and office building. It is a widely useful network for sharing resources like files, printers, games, and other application. The simplest type of LAN network is to connect computers and a printer in someone’s home or office. In general, LAN will be used as one type of transmission medium. It is a network which consists of less than 5000 interconnected devices across several buildings.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Characteristics of LAN

Here are the important characteristics of a LAN network:

Advantages of LAN

Here are the pros/benefits of LAN:

Disadvantages of LAN

Here are the cons/drawbacks of LAN:

What is WAN (Wide Area Network)?

WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network that which is spread across a large geographical area. WAN network system could be a connection of a LAN which connects with other LAN’s using telephone lines and radio waves. It is mostly limited to an enterprise or an organization.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Characteristics of WAN

Below are the characteristics of WAN:

Advantages of WAN

Here are the benefits/pros of WAN:

Disadvantages of WAN

Here are the drawbacks/cons of WAN network:

What is MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)?

A Metropolitan Area Network or MAN is consisting of a computer network across an entire city, college campus, or a small region. This type of network is large than a LAN, which is mostly limited to a single building or site. Depending upon the type of configuration, this type of network allows you to cover an area from several miles to tens of miles.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Characteristics of MAN

Here are important characteristics of the MAN network:

Advantages of MAN

Here are the pros/benefits of MAN network:

Disadvantages of MAN

Here are drawbacks/cons of using the MAN network:

Other Types of Computer Networks

Apart from above mentioned computer networks, here are some other important types of networks:

Let’s see all these different types of networks in detail:

1) WLAN

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) helps you to link single or multiple devices using wireless communication within a limited area like home, school, or office building. It gives users an ability to move around within a local coverage area which may be connected to the network. Today most modern day’s WLAN systems are based on IEEE 802.11 standards.

2) Storage-Area Network (SAN)

A Storage Area Network is a type of network which allows consolidated, block-level data storage. It is mainly used to make storage devices, like disk arrays, optical jukeboxes, and tape libraries.

3) System-Area Network

System Area Network is used for a local network. It offers high-speed connection in server-to-server and processor-to-processor applications. The computers connected on a SAN network operate as a single system at quite high speed.

4) Passive Optical Local Area Network

POLAN is a networking technology which helps you to integrate into structured cabling. It allows you to resolve the issues of supporting Ethernet protocols and network apps.

POLAN allows you to use optical splitter which helps you to separate an optical signal from a single-mode optical fiber. It converts this single signal into multiple signals.

5) Home Area Network (HAN):

A Home Area Network is always built using two or more interconnected computers to form a local area network (LAN) within the home. For example, in the United States, about 15 million homes have more than one computer.

These types of network connections help computer owners to interconnect with multiple computers. This network allows sharing files, programs, printers, and other peripherals.

6) Enterprise Private Network :

Enterprise private network (EPN) networks are build and owned by businesses that want to securely connect numerous locations in order to share various computer resources.

7) Campus Area Network (CAN):

A Campus Area Network is made up of an interconnection of LANs within a specific geographical area. For example, a university campus can be linked with a variety of campus buildings to connect all the academic departments.

8) Virtual Private Network:

A VPN is a private network which uses a public network to connect remote sites or users together. The VPN network uses “virtual” connections routed through the internet from the enterprise’s private network or a third-party VPN service to the remote site.

It is a free or paid service that keeps your web browsing secure and private over public WiFi hotspots.

11 Components of Computer Network ⮚ Server, Hub, Router, Modem, Gateway…

A computer network is made up of several hardware and software components. All components of a computer network make it possible of transferring data and information from one device to another and make easy communication between two different computers.

Before diving into computer networking components, first, understand the networking in simple terms.

Networking – What is it?

When two or more computers and network components are connected to each other for sharing data and resource through any communication channel, that is called Network or Computer Network, or Data Network.

Whereas the entire process of connecting and linking two or more computers and networking devices with each other is called Networking. We need various Hardware, Software, and network components to create a computer network. The network can be either wired or wireless.

Components of Computer Network

1. Server

A server is a computer that serves the data to other computers and users. The network components can be in the form of a computer, a hardware device, or a computer program that is loaded so that it can send data and any information to other computers.

The term “server” usually refers to a computer system that receives a request for a web document and sends the request information to the client.

2. Client

The device that receives requests, and responses from the server, is called a client. When the server and its clients work together on the computer, we call it the client/server network.

3. Transmission media

Transmission media are the medium through which data is transferred from one device to another in a network. Transmission media can be used either in a physical transmission medium or wireless transmission medium.

Physical transmission medium includes the use of wires and cables like fiber optic cables, coaxial cable, etc; and wireless transmission medium includes the use of unguided media like infra-red waves, electromagnetic, microwaves, etc.

4. NIC (Network Interface cards)

Network Interface cards (NICs) are also called Network Interface Controller, Network adapter, LAN adapter, and Physical Network interface. NIC cards are hardware components used to connect computers with networks. Without NIC a computer cannot be connected to the network

It is installed in a computer circuit board that provides a network connection to the computer. Due to the popularity and low cost of Ethernet standards, the network interface is built directly into the motherboard in almost all new computers.

Types of NIC :

There are two types of NIC:

1. Internal Network Card (Wired NIC)
In internal network cards, the motherboard has a slot for the network card where it can be inserted. It requires a network cable to provide network access. There are two types of internal network cards. The first type uses Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) connections, while the second type uses Industry Standard Architecture (ISA).

2. External Network Card (Wireless NIC)
The external NIC is used by desktops and laptops because they do not have an internal NIC. External network cards are of two types: wireless and USB-based. Wireless network cards are required to be inserted into the motherboard. The USB based used to connect to a laptop when traveling or accessing wireless signals.

Connecting Components Of Network

5. Hub

A hub is a device that splits a network connection among multiple computers. It works similarly to a distribution center. When a computer requests information from one network or from a specific computer, then it sends the request to the hub through a cable. The hub then receives that request and transmits it to the entire network.

After that, every computer checks whether that network then belongs to them or not. If belongs then it broadcasts if the request doesn’t belong it will be dropped.

However, such network components nowadays are very less in circulation and being replaced by more advanced communication devices such as Routers and Switches. This hub is basically a multiport repeater.

This hub is used to connect multiple connections that come from different branches, For example, the connector in star topology is used to connect different stations for data access.

6. Switch

The switch is a component that helps devices to connect the networks so that they can transfer data to other connected devices. These network switches are identical to network hubs, but a switch has more advanced features than a hub. It doesn’t broadcast entire data on the network like a hub.

The advanced features of the switch imply that the network switch first inspects the incoming packet and determines its source, destination address, and routes after that sends the data at the correct destination accordingly to that packet. A network switch is also called the Switching hub, Bridging hub, and MAC bridge.

7. Router

The router is a hardware network component. Routers operate at the network layer of the OSI (Open system interconnection) reference model, using them to send packets over the network using a logical address.

Any data which travels from one network to another network as a Packet. The Router receives such Packet data and forwards it to the Destination Device after analyzing hidden information in the Data Packet. This Networking Device is used to connect different networks either it is wired or wireless.

These networks are mainly seen in the house as Wi– Fi from which anyone can access the Internet.

Types of Router:

There are two main types of routers:

1. Broadband Routers-

Broadband Router is used to connect computers and to connect to the Internet. Those who need to connect their phone to the Internet through Voice Over IP Technology. There have to use Broadband Router. These are Modem also include LAN/Ethernet ports, WAN ports, and Phone Jacks.

2. Wireless router-
Wireless Router is very popular and useful. They are used more at home, Office, College. This router makes the internet connection wireless from which anyone can use the internet directly with their computers, tablets, mobile phones through a wireless signal.

There are features of passwords and IP Addresses for connection access in wireless routers. These make the connection more secure.

8. Modem

The full form of the modem is ‘Modulator/Demodulator’. The process of converting a digital signal into an analog signal is called modulation. These components allow a computer device, such as a router or switch, to connect to the Internet.

It converts or “modulates” an analog signal from a telephone or cable wire into a digital signal that a router or switch can easily recognize the data.

Similarly, when it converts outgoing digital data into an analog signal in a computer device such converting is called Demodulation. The speed of transmitting data by modem is modifiable. This speed of transfer is measured in bytes per second (bps) rate. The faster its speed, the faster one can send and receive information.

Types of Modem :

There are basically three types of modem:

1. External Modem-
It is connected to the serial port of the computer by a cable located outside the computer. Another wire connects the modem to the telephone line.

2. Internal Modem-
This system is a plug-in circuit board located within the unit. This modem is connected to the telephone line by a telephone cable.

3. Wireless Modem-
As the name suggests it doesn’t need any wire. It sends and receives signals through the air.

9. Repeater

A repeater is a powerful network component that is used to regenerate signals. With this, the signal is fixed for a long time, so that the strength of the signal remains stable.

Repeater takes data signals from the communication medium and amplifies them and sends them back to the communication medium. When the signal becomes weak, this device copies the signal bit by bit and then regenerates it to its original strength for making the internet connection stable.

A repeater is located in the first layer (physical layer) of the OSI layer. Repeaters are used in cables that have to cover distances of up to 100 meters. These components receive signals from cables like optical fibers, coaxial cables, and copper cables.

10. Bridges

This bridge is a device that has such functionality that it filters the content, for which it reads MAC addresses of both source and destination. The bridge connects two LANs (Local Area Network) using the same protocol. This device operates in the data link layer of the OSI Model.

These network components are very useful for filtering the data load of traffic, for which they divide them into segments or packets. The bridge controls the data traffic of LANs or other networks. These bridges are actually passive devices, as there is no interaction between bridged and paths of bridging.

11. Gateway

This gateway is a hardware device that acts as a “gate” within two networks. It can also be a router, firewall, server, or any other device that enables traffic to flow in and out of the network. Gateways are used to connect networks based on different protocols. As a bridge is used to join two similar types of networks, similarly, the gateway is used to join two dissimilar networks.

This gateway node is located at the edge of the network and all the data flows through it which enters or exits the network. In addition, it can also translate received data that is received from outside networks, into a format or protocol that can be identified by devices within the internal network.

report this ad

The above are the 11 important components of a computer network or you can say network components the make the internet connection stable and maintains the speed. Share with your friends on social networks as well.