Networking, today it’s one of those words you hear about almost as often as the word, dinner, but what do you know about the hardware that gets your network going?
Hubs join various computers together. What you have on one computer you will have on another through the use of a hub.
A switch is similar to a hub in that it joins various computers together. The difference is that a switch contains more intelligence at a higher retail price. The good news is that with higher intelligence comes better performance.
Modems are conversion hardware. They convert analog and digital data so that computers can communicate with one another.
Patch cables or cords are useful for home users as well as those who travel. A patch helps build home computer networks but a patch cord can also help travelers with their Internet needs while away from home.
Routers are three in one units that combine a switch, a firewall and a server. A firewall protects the user from unwanted and unauthorized access; a server will process your request and send information of your choosing to others.
Network adapters are plugged in between the network connection and the computer. Various network adapters include NIC, USB, and the Ethernet port.
Knowing what hardware actually gets your network moving can be useful knowledge, especially when you want to make some changes to your computer system and need to speak with a fluent computer expert. Study the ideas above and learn more by perusing the Internet for even more information.