Communications & Computer Networks Resource Notes - Network Hardware Technology ICT Communications & Computer Networks Resource Notes - Network Hardware

Network Hardware In order for communication to take place between computers, a data path must exist between them. This data path can be:   Wired - using cables Wireless - using carrier waves (radio waves etc.) A combination of wired and wireless (Hybrid)

Network Hardware Network Adaptors Also known as a Network Interface Card (NIC) Computers must have a network adaptor installed This can be a wired adaptor Or a wireless adaptor Wired & wireless adaptors can be used in the same network

Network Hardware Network Switch Used with network cables Connects the computers in the network to each other They form the data path between the computers

Network Hardware Wireless Access Point   Used to connect wireless computers to a wired network Antenna to communicate with the wireless computers Cabled to a network switch to communicate with the wired computers

Network Hardware Network Router Used to connect a network (LAN) to the Internet Or to another network.