NETWORKING HARDWARE

Network Interface Card-NIC

Also known as Network Adapter. A network adapter provides the interface between a computer and a network connection. The term was popularized originally by add-in Ethernet hardware cards for PCs, but many different types of network adapters exist today.The term NIC refers to network adapter hardware in the form factor of a card. Some NIC cards support wired connections while others are wireless.

Example of NIC;

   NIC for PC using PCI or ISA slot                               NIC that are used for laptop using PCMCIA slot                     Wireless NIC

Hub

A hub is a very simple hardware device that supports basic file sharing between computers connected with network cables.

Switch

A network switches is a small hardware device that join multiple computers together at a low-level network protocol layer. Switches differ in capability from both hubs and routers. user can either use Hub or Switch but network using Switch is more faster rather than using Hub.

Modem

Modems stands for Modulator Demodulator are networking devices that convert analog and digital data for computer-to-computer communication. Several kinds of modem devices exist for dial-up, broadband and cellular networking.

What Is a Broadband Modem?

A broadband modem os a type of digital modem, different from traditional analog modems, used with high-speed DSL or cable Internet service.

Which Broadband Modem Interface is Better - Ethernet or USB?

Many broadband modems support two kinds of network connections - Ethernet and USB. This page offers four reasons why you should consider using one type with your modem instead of the other.

Do USB to Ethernet Adapters Exist for Broadband Modems?

Some DSL and cable modems provide only a single USB port for connecting to a home network. However, older broadband routers, Ethernet switches and desktop computers lack USB ports. Is it possible to install a USB to Ethernet converter to join the modem to an Ethernet-only device?

Router

A router is a small hardware device that joins multiple networks together. These networks can include wired or wireless home networks, and the Internet.