Computer Networking

Network Devices
Modem
RJ45 Connector
Ethernet Card
Router
Switch
Gateway
WiFi Card
Bridge
Repeater
 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.
 MODEM
• 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.
 Network Interface Card
• A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware
component without which a computer cannot be
connected over a network. It is a circuit board
installed in a computer that provides a dedicated
network connection to the computer. It is also called
network interface controller, network adapter or LAN
adapter.
• NIC allows both wired and wireless communications.
• NIC allows communications between computers
connected via local area network (LAN) as well as
communications over large-scale network through
Internet Protocol (IP).
 Ethernet
• Ethernet is a set of technologies and
protocols that are used primarily in LANs.
However, Ethernet can also be used in
MANs and even WANs. Ethernet card is
a type of NIC card specific to Ethernet
technology.An Ethernet card contains
connections for either coaxial or twisted
pair cables or both.
 Router
• A Router is a network device that forwards data
from one network to another. A router works like a
Bridge but can handle different protocols.
• If the destination is unknown to a router it sends
the traffice to another router using logical
addresses which knows the destination. Based on
a network road map called a routing table routers
can help ensure that packets are travelling the
most nefficiet paths to their destinations.
• If a link between two routers fails, the sending
router can determine an alternate route to keep
traffic moving.
 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.
Ex:Room to room calls in hotels.
 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.
 WiFi Card
• Wi-Fi is the acronym for wireless fidelity meaning that you
can access or connect to a network without needing any
wires. 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.
 Bridge
• A bridge is a network device that connects multiple LANs
(local area networks) together to form a larger LAN. A
bridge connects the different components so that they
appear as parts of a single network.
 Repeater
• Repeaters are network devices operating at physical
layer of the OSI model that amplify or regenerate an
incoming signal before retransmitting it. They are
incorporated in networks to expand its coverage area.
They are also known as signal boosters.
 Let us Revise
• Modem: A device that enables a computer to transmit
data over, telephone or cable lines.
• RJ-45: An eight wired connector used to connect
computers on a LAN.
• Ethernet card: A kind of network adapter.
• Switch: A small hardware device that joins multiple
computers together within a LAN.
• Repeater: An electronic device that amplifies the
received signal and then retransmits it on the network
• Router: A network device that connects two networks
with different protocols.
• Gateway: A network device that connects two dissimilar
networks.
• Wi-Fi card: A small, portable card that allow your
computer to connect to the internet through a wireless
network.