Tech User Guide – Computer Tips

A computer network consists of various devices and components that enable the computers to be shared with one another. These devices share, transmit, boost the signal, voice and data. Network devices are actually the physical parts that have been connected to the network. Computer networking devices are also called network equipment, Intermediate Systems (IS) or InterWorking Unit (IWU). Units which receive the network as the last receiver or generate data are called hosts or data terminal equipment.

The basic network devices include individual Computers, Server, Hub, Switch, Bridges, Routers, Modems, Printers, DSL Modems & Routers, Gateways, Network Interface Cards, Cabling & Wireless access point.

An individual computer is desktop computer, a personal computer or a laptop.

A server connected to the network. This computer has all the necessary information and items that are required for all the other computers on the network. It is like a head computer over all the other computers in the network. The server shares all the information with all the other computers and provides different services like internet sharing, CD-ROM sharing, print sharing and workstation log on access.

Hub is a simple network device whose function is broadcasting i.e. forwarding data to all ports of the hub. There are two types of hub a) active hub b) passive hub. Computers are usually connected to a hub with twisted pair cables.

A Switch is a more intelligent device as compared to the hub. A switch works in the same capacity as a hub but it has an additional function of connecting two computers temporarily. Switch is also different to a hub in the way that it only forwards the data to the targeted computer while not broadcasting the data to all its ports.

The word Modem means modulator demodulator. Modems help in translating digital data into the analog format and vice versa. The modem modulates the signals at the sending end and demodulates at the receiving end. Modems are required for different types of the access methods These main functions of modulation demodulation are required for different kinds of access methods such as ISDN, DSL and 56K data modem.

Routers route the data between two physically different networks. The router gets its capability through its routing software. When compared to switches and bridges, the router uses an IP address which is a logical network access to make a decision regarding the destination of data.

A gateway can be a device, a system or software which translates the data from one format to another without making any changes in the data. A gateway is used between two different networks where you can switch networks or to connect two networks.

Cables are of two types. The two most common types of cables are: UTP (unshielded twisted pair) and 2. STP (shielded twisted pair) where STP is considered to be more secure a cable when compared to UTP. These cables are connected between computers using a RJ45 connector which is similar to a telephone line connector.

Related posts:

1. The basics of mobile network infrastructure