Network Devices

☞ These are the hardware components that connect digital equipment to the network.

☞ These devices transmit data quickly, securely and accurately over the network.

☞ The most common network devices are : 

1. MODEM
2. RJ-45 Connector
3. Ethernet Card
4. Hub
5. Repeater
6. Switch
7. Router
8. Gateway 
9. Wi-Fi Card
10. Bridge

  1. MODEM :
    • It is an abbreviation for MODulation and DEModulation.
    • It is a device that converts or modulates the digital signals into analog signals, and vice-versa.
  2. RJ-45 Connector :
    • It stands for Registered Jack 45 connector.
    • It is an eight-pin port that physically connects devices to Ethernet-based LANs.
  3. Ethernet Card :
    • It is a physical expansion card that is used to transport data from one network to another.
    • It is also known as Network Interface Card (NIC).
  4. Hub :
    • It is a multi-port hardware device used to connect several computers together with different ports.
    • It simply copies the data and broadcasts it to all the connected nodes.
  5. Repeater :
    • It amplifies a signal and regenerates it to a higher level.
    • It is termed as translators or boosters.
  6. Switch :
    • It transmits data to the computer in a LAN.
    • It is a multiport device that filters and forward data packets only to one or more devices.
    • It keeps a record of the MAC addresses of devices attached to it.
  7. Router :
    • It is designed for receiving, analysing and sending data packets between networks.
    • It manages traffic between the network by forwarding data packets to their intended IP address.
    • It allows multiple devices to use the same internet connection.
  8. Gateway :
    • It connects two dissimilar networks.
    • It provides data communication between a remote network and a host(local) network.
  9. Wi-Fi Card :
    • It is a small, easily portable card that allows electronic devices to connect to the internet over a wireless network.
    • It can be either an internal or external LAN adapter with a built-in wireless radio and antenna.
  10. Bridge :
    • It links two segments of the original network together.
    • It is a smarter hub as it can filter network traffic on the basis of the MAC address.