Network devices II Some network devices 

The basic network devices or some of the network devices used in computer network are as follows: 

Network Interface Card (NIC) 

The NIC also known as network adapter or Ethernet Card which allows networked computers to communicate each other. Basically, it converts data transmission technology. A NIC converts parallel data stream into serial data and vice versa. It actually connects computer with transmission media through media connection. 

Hub 

Hub is a networking device also known as multiport repeater which is used to connect multiple network hosts. A network hub is also used to do data transfer in terms of packets on a computer network. So when a host sends a data packet to a network, the hub copies the data packet to all of its connected ports. Like this, all the ports known about the data and the port, for when the packet is intended, claims the packet. 

Switch 

Switch is also a common network connecting device which works at the layer of LAN (Local Area Network). It is similar to hub but it is more intelligent device than a hub. While hub just does the work of data forwarding, a switch does 'filter and forwarding' which is a more intelligent way of dealing with the data packets. So, when  a packet is received at one of the interfaces of the switch, it filters the packet and sends only to the interface of the intended receiver. 

Router 

A router is a network device which connects two different types of networks and is responsible for routing traffic from one to another network. These two networks could be a private company network to a public network. the router is an intelligent device which we  can think as a traffic police who directs different network traffic to different directions. 

Bridge 

A bridge is also an important networking device which connects two different sub networks as a part of the same network. We can think of two different computer labs or two different floors of computer networks connected together by a bridge. 

 Repeater 

A repeater is an electronic device that amplifies the signal it receives. In other terms, we can think of repeater as a device which receives a signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher power so that the signal can cover long distances. 

Gateway 

A gateway is a network device which provides communication to a remote network or an autonomous system that is out of bounds for the host network noes. Gateways serve as the entry and exit point of a network, all data routed inward or outward must first pass through and communicate with the gateway in order to use routing paths. 

MODEM 

A MODEM stands for (Modulator and Demodulator) is somewhat a more important network communication device. As computer generates binary data or digital data in forms of 1s and 0s and on the other hand, a wire carries an analog signals and that's where a modem comes in. The MODEM modulates and demodulates the signal between the digital data of a computer and the analog signal of telephone line. 

Media Connectors 

Media connectors also considered as cable connectors are the connecting interfaces between network devices and transmission media. They are the part of a cable that plugs into a port or interface to connect one device to another. Most connectors are either male (containing one or more exposed pins) or female (containing holes in which the male connector can be inserted). Some of the media connectors used in networking system are discussed below: 

Registered Jack 45 (RJ45) 

Registered Jack 45 is a cable connector that is found on almost all UTP and STP cables. This type of connector resembles the older RJ11 that most people are familiar with wired telephones. 

BNC (Bayonet Neill - Concelman Connector) 

The BN  Connector is found mainly with coaxial cable whose design allows the insulation and shielding of the coaxial cable to carry through the connector itself. This prevents breaks in shielding and assures a cleaner signal 

T connector 

T connector is an electrical binding post consisting of three posts forming the three arms of a letter T. It is useful and cheaper for connecting multiple devices in to a single connection.