Hardware plays one of the most essential roles when it comes to computer networking. Unlike other fields of information technology industry, networking is fully supported on more hardware and less software. Let's discuss briefly about the computer networking hardware found in average computer networks.
Network Interface Cards
When it comes to computer networking hardware, there is no networking exist without the use of network interface cards or devices. The network interface cards connect the RJ45 cables, or in other words 'network cables', to the computers. The network interface cards are available in different forms for different computers. As examples, PCI card variety is available for desktops, USB dongle form is available for any type of computer, and PCMCA card form is available for laptops.
Network Cables
Network cables connect the computers and the rest of the computer networking hardware. Network cables commonly have a variety depending on the type of the computer network. Although the copper coaxial cables are not in use anymore, the descendent, multi-core RJ45 cables are the widely used type. Fiber optic cables, fiber optics scope and borescope camera are the best for high speed links and Internet backbones as they provide the highest bandwidths at the moment.
Wired and Wireless Routers
Routers are the most critical devices when it comes to computer networking hardware. They connect you with the rest of the globe and enable you to find the info on the Internet and in the local network. For various purposes and network types, there are different types of routers. The cost and the abilities of these routers vary depending on the purpose. When it comes to wireless routers, they are the latest addition to the class of computer networking hardware. Decrease of the extensive wiring and users being able be moving are two main rewards of wireless routers.
Hubs
Hubs behave the same way as routers but does not route your to the Internet or external networks located beyond your local area network. When it comes to connecting computers and network devices within a small, limited geographical area, hub is the perfect device. Hubs are commonly less expensive compared to the rest of the computer networking hardware.
Switches
The switches are employed when it comes to situations such as linking two or more networks together. As an example, if two local area networks (LANs) are to be linked together, normally a switch is used. Since most of the switches are programmable, you can use switches to define how your network should conduct when interface with external networks.
