Hardware plays one of the most important roles when it comes to computer networking. Unlike other domains of information technology industry, networking is fully dependent on more hardware and less software. Let’s have a quick look at the common computer networking hardware devices we find in a regular network.
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 form 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. There are different types of network cables available for different types of computer networks. Although the copper coaxial cables are not in use anymore, the descendent, multi-core RJ45 cables are the widely used type. For high speed links and Internet backbones, fiber optic cables are used as they are capable of facilitating higher bandwidths.
Routers (wired / wireless)
Routers are the most important devices when it comes to computer networking hardware. They connect you with the rest of the world and enable you to find the information on the Internet and in the local network. There are different kinds of routers used for different purposes. The price and the abilities of these routers vary depending on the purpose. When it comes to wireless routers, they are the latest addition to the family of computer networking hardware. The wireless routers enable the users to be mobile, and also reduce the cost of extensive wiring.
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. Hubs do an effective job when it comes to connecting computers within a limited geographical area such as a floor of a building. Hubs are usually less expensive compared to the rest of the computer networking hardware.
Switches
When a network is required to be connected to an external network, then switches deliver the best results out of all computer networking hardware. As an example, if two local area networks (LANs) are to be connected together, usually a switch is used. Since most of the switches are programmable, you can use switches to define how your network should behave when interface with external networks.
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