Download MAIDOH_CONNECT._1

NAME: MAIDOH VICTORIA
DEPARTMENT: M.B.B.S.
LEVEL: 100
DATE: 27-10-16
COLLEGE: M.H.S
GST 115: CONNECTIVITY HARDWARE/ NETWORK HARDWARE.
NETWORK HARDWARE,
It can also be referred to as connectivity hardware. It is the hardware that allows computer to be
physically connected to different types of networks. Networking hardware typically refers to
equipment facilitating the use of a computer network. Typically, this includes routers, switches,
network interface cards, etc.
Here are some examples of connectivity hardware and their definitions:
1. NETWORK INTERFACE CARD: A network interface card(NIC) is used to connect a
computer to the network. It is a PC expansion board with its own unique identifier that
plugs into a computer allowing it to be connected to a network. It includes two interfacesone to connect to the network and one to connect to the computer itself. The NIC is the
brains of the network connection, containing its own processor chip to help take some of
the load off the computer’s central processing unit (CPU). Some examples of NIC are :
-Allied Telesis
-Broadcom
-Cisco
-Emulex
-Marvell.
2. REPEATERS: Repeaters are simple two-port signal amplifiers, They are used in a bus
topology to extend the maximum distance that can be spanned on a cable run. It is a network
device to replicate a signal as it weakens when travelling across a network. A repeater will
receive a digital signal on one of its ports, amplify it, and transmit it out the other side.
Repeaters function similar to stereo amplifiers. They simply boost whatever they receive and
send it on its way. Unfortunately the signal they receive could be a good frame of data, a bad
frame of data, or even background noise. A repeater does not discern data quality; it simply
looks at each of the individual digital pulses and amplifies them.
3. HUBS- A central point of connection between media segments enabling network
extension to accommodate more PC’s. They are probably the most common piece of network
hardware after network interface cards. Physically, they are boxes of varying sizes that have
multiple female RJ-45 connectors. Each connector is designed to accept one twisted-pair
cable outfitted with a male RJ-45 connector. This twisted-pair cable is then used to connect a
single server or workstation to the hub. Hubs are essentially multi-port repeaters that support
twisted-pair cables in a star topology. Each nodes communicates with the hub, which in turn
amplifies the signal and transmits it on its remaining ports. As with a repeater, hubs work at
the electrical level. Because hubs have no way to determine if a frame is good or bad, they
should be looked at, when you design your network topology, as functionally identical to
repeaters.
4. BRIDGES- They are used to connect two different LANs or two segments of the same
LAN by forwarding traffic between segments. A bridge looks a lot like a repeater; it is a
small box with two separate portions of the network. A bridge incorporates the functionality
of a repeater. But it actually looks at the frames of data, which is a great benefit. A common
bridge is nearly identical to a repeater except for the indicator lights. A forward light flashes
whenever the bridge needs to pass traffic from one collision domain to another.
5. SWITCHES- Switches are the marriage of hub and bridge technology. They resemble
stackable hubs in appearance, having multiple RJ-45 connectors for connecting network
systems, Instead of being a dumb amplifier like a hub, however, switches function as though
they have a little miniature bridge built into each port, A switch will keep track of the MAC
addresses attached to each of its ports and direct traffic destined for a certain address only to
the port to which it is attached.
6. ROUTERS- An intelligent device used to connect two or more individual networks. When
it receives a signal, it looks up the address and passes it to the appropriate network. It is a
multi=port device that makes decisions on how to handle a frame, based on protocol and
network address. To truly understand what this means we must first look at what a protocol is
and how it works. Up until now we have been happily communicating using the media access
control address assigned to our networking devices. Our systems have used this number to
contact other systems and transmit information as required.
7. MULTIPLEXER- Used to share a communication line among a number of users by
converting and combining signals from multiple users for simultaneous transmissions over a
single line.
8. CHANNEL SERVICE UNIT- A device that act as a buffer between a LAN and a public
carriers WAN to ensure signals placed on the public lines are appropriately timed and formed
for the network.
9. GATEWAYS- This device performs a protocol conversion so that different networks can
communicate even though they speak different languages.
10. MODEM(MODULATOR/DEMODULATOR)-Enable computer to connect and transmit
data over phone lines by converting the send the computer’s digital signals to analog and
back again for the receiving computer.