Home Communication_technologies Network Devices
Network Devices
Hardware devices that are used to connect computers, printers, fax machines and other
electronic devices to a network are called network devices. These devices transfer
data in a fast, secure and correct way over same or different networks. Network
devices may be inter-network or intra-network. Some devices are installed on the
device, like NIC card or RJ45 connector, whereas some are part of the network, like
router, switch, etc. Let us explore some of these devices in greater detail.
Modem
Modem is a device that enables a computer to send or receive data over telephone or
cable lines. The data stored on the computer is digital whereas a telephone line or cable
wire can transmit only analog data.
The main function of the modem is to convert digital signal into analog and vice versa.
Modem is a combination of two devices − modulator and demodulator. The
modulator converts digital data into analog data when the data is being sent by the
computer. The demodulator converts analog data signals into digital data when it is
being received by the computer.
Types of Modem
Modem can be categorized in several ways like direction in which it can transmit data,
type of connection to the transmission line, transmission mode, etc.
Depending on direction of data transmission, modem can be of these types −
Simplex − A simplex modem can transfer data in only one direction, from digital
device to network (modulator) or network to digital device (demodulator).
Half duplex − A half-duplex modem has the capacity to transfer data in both
the directions but only one at a time.
Full duplex − A full duplex modem can transmit data in both the directions
simultaneously.
RJ45 Connector
RJ45 is the acronym for Registered Jack 45. RJ45 connector is an 8-pin jack used
by devices to physically connect to Ethernet based local area networks (LANs).
Ethernet is a technology that defines protocols for establishing a LAN. The cable used
for Ethernet LANs are twisted pair ones and have RJ45 connector pins at both ends.
These pins go into the corresponding socket on devices and connect the device to the
network.
Ethernet Card
Ethernet card, also known as network interface card (NIC), is a hardware
component used by computers to connect to Ethernet LAN and communicate with
other devices on the LAN. The earliest Ethernet cards were external to the system
and needed to be installed manually. In modern computer systems, it is an internal
hardware component. The NIC has RJ45 socket where network cable is physically
plugged in.
Ethernet card speeds may vary depending upon the protocols it supports. Old
Ethernet cards had maximum speed of 10 Mbps. However, modern cards support fast
Ethernets up to a speed of 100 Mbps. Some cards even have capacity of 1 Gbps.
Router
A router is a network layer hardware device that transmits data from one LAN to
another if both networks support the same set of protocols. So a router is typically
connected to at least two LANs and the internet service provider (ISP). It receives
its data in the form of packets, which are data frames with their destination
address added. Router also strengthens the signals before transmitting them. That is
why it is also called repeater.
Routing Table
A router reads its routing table to decide the best available route the packet can take to
reach its destination quickly and accurately. The routing table may be of these two
types −
Static − In a static routing table the routes are fed manually. So it is suitable
only for very small networks that have maximum two to three routers.
Dynamic − In a dynamic routing table, the router communicates with other
routers through protocols to determine which routes are free. This is suited for
larger networks where manual feeding may not be feasible due to large number
of routers.
Switch
Switch is a network device that connects other devices to Ethernet networks through
twisted pair cables. It uses packet switching technique to receive, store and
forward data packets on the network. The switch maintains a list of network
addresses of all the devices connected to it.
On receiving a packet, it checks the destination address and transmits the packet to the
correct port. Before forwarding, the packets are checked for collision and other network
errors. The data is transmitted in full duplex mode
Data transmission speed in switches can be double that of other network devices like
hubs used for networking. This is because switch shares its maximum speed with all
the devices connected to it. This helps in maintaining network speed even during high
traffic. In fact, higher data speeds are achieved on networks through use of multiple
switches.
Gateway
Gateway is a network device used to connect two or more dissimilar networks. In
networking parlance, networks that use different protocols are dissimilar networks. A
gateway usually is a computer with multiple NICs connected to different networks. A
gateway can also be configured completely using software. As networks connect to a
different network through gateways, these gateways are usually hosts or end points of
the network.
Gateway uses packet switching technique to transmit data from one network to
another. In this way it is similar to a router, the only difference being router can
transmit data only over networks that use same protocols.
Wi-Fi Card
Wi-Fi is the acronym for wireless fidelity. Wi-Fi technology is used to achieve
wireless connection to any network. Wi-Fi card is a card used to connect any
device to the local network wirelessly. The physical area of the network which provides
internet access through Wi-Fi is called Wi-Fi hotspot. Hotspots can be set up at home,
office or any public space. Hotspots themselves are connected to the network through
wires.
A Wi-Fi card is used to add capabilities like teleconferencing, downloading digital
camera images, video chat, etc. to old devices. Modern devices come with their in-
built wireless network adapter.