Computer Network Components

1. Network Hardware

A computer network can be either wired or wireless. A wired network is one that uses physical cables and connection boxes to connect devices to the network. Ethernet is the standard interface for all wired networks. A wireless network uses radio frequency signals to transmit data. Each device on a wireless network is required to have its own antenna to receive signals. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) is the standard interface technology for wireless networks.

Every device on a computer network is required to have a network adapter. The network adapter translates instructions from the operating system into information that can be transmitted over the network. It also manages the incoming and outgoing network request. A network adapter can be either wired or wireless. It is either built onto the computer’s motherboard or connected as a peripheral device, such as a USB connected device.

A network must have a point at which all devices can connect. On a wired network, a switch or router functions in this capacity. A switch is a network connection box that manages traffic on devices that are plugged into it. A router is a switch that is able to route local network requests out to other networks, such as the Internet. On a wireless network, the point at which all devices can connect is called a wireless access point (WAP). Sometimes there are situations in which two or more LANs, or devices on a LAN, have to be connected. In this situation, a network bridge is required. A bridge is a device that gives two or more LAN networks the ability to connect to one another without the use of protocol. By avoiding the use of protocol, a bridge can pass information between networks and devices on a LAN network without the need to route the information.

Listed below are common network hardware and the function of each.

• Network Adapter: Translates instructions from the operating system into data that can be sent over a network
• Switch: A network connection box that all the cables for the computers on a network connect to
• Router: An upper tier switch that can connect and route local network traffic as well as traffic from outside networks such as the Internet
• Wireless Access Point (WAP): A wireless network connection box that enables computers on a network to connect wirelessly
• Ethernet: The standard interface for all wired networks
• Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi): Standard interface technology for wireless networks
• Bridge: A network device that connects two networks together

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Learn more about the common network hardware below.

terms to know

Wired Network

Network that uses physical cables and connection boxes to connect devices.

Ethernet

The standard interface for all wired networks.

Wireless Network

Network that uses radio frequency signals to transmit data.

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)

The standard interface technology for wireless networks.

Network Adapter

Translates instructions from the operating system into data that can be sent over a network.

Router

An upper tier switch that can connect and route local network traffic, as well as traffic from outside networks such as the Internet.

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

Wireless network connection box that enables computers on a network to connect wirelessly.

2. Network Software

On a broad level, network software refers to software used to manage and monitor computer networks. Network administrators use network software to facilitate communication between computers, and to give access to shared files and programs to the computers in the network. Recall that computers and devices on a network use various protocols to facilitate communication between them. The most common protocol utilized today is the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This is a type of networking software, because it provides a way for various computers to communicate with one another, specifically via the Internet.

Other types of network software allow computers within the network to share files, applications, or programs. Network software is not the same as software applications, such as a computer’s operating system or word processing and spreadsheet software. Rather, network software is a “behind the scenes” set of software that allows network administrators to understand how the computer network functions. Network software also provides administrators with tools to control and manage how the computers in the network are connected.

Like many aspects of computer technology, the architecture of networks is changing and evolving. Software-defined networking (SDN) makes it easier to innovate and adapt the network to quickly meeting changing network demands.

The basic functionality of network software includes:

• User Management which enables administrators to add or remove users from the network.
• File Management which allows administrators to define the location of data storage and user access to that data.

term to know

Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Computer networking concept that separates the software from the hardware, making it easier to innovate and adapt the network to quickly meet changing network demands.