Hardware components of a computer network (Elements of Network)

1.      Hardware components of a computer network (Elements of Network)

Physical parts and devices used to connect computers in the network environment are called hardware components. The hardware components of computer network are

a)      Computer system (Server or Workstation)

b)     Network connectors

c)      Network cables

d)     NIC Card

e)      MODEM

f)      Hub

g)     Bridge

h)     Switch

i)       Router

j)       Gateway

k)     Repeater

2.      Server

A server is the main computer that provides services, data and other resources to the other computers in the network environment. Network operating software used by server is Novell Netware, Linux, Unix etc. Different types of servers are file server, print server, application server etc.

3.      Workstation
Workstation is a computer network that utilizes network resources. Network operating software used by workstation are Windows 98, Windows XP etc.

4.      Node
Each computer or device of network is called node.

5.      Router
Router is an intelligent device that connects two different networks which uses the address for filtering and forwarding the data as well as it has an ability to determine the best route for destination.

6.      NIC
A Network Interface Card (NIC) is the adapter through which the computer is connected to the network. The function of NIC is to convert data into electronic signals and transfer them through cables and vice-versa.

7.      Cable
Cables are commonly used media of physical channel for transmitting data between computers in network. Examples of cables are coaxial, twisted pair and fiber optic cable.

8.      Connector
Connector is an interface between the NIC of the computer and the cable that passes data between computers in network. Examples of connectors are BNC used with coaxial cable, RJ 45 used with UTP cable, ST used with fiber optic cable etc.

9.      Hub

A hub is a network device with multiple points or ports which acts as a central point from where different computers and other devices are connected. It broadcasts all network data across each connection.

Hub is mostly used in physical star topology.

10.   Switch
A switch is a networking device that has multiple connecting ports which is often used interchangeably with the bridge.

11.   Bridge

A bridge is a device that connects two or more similar types of network which filters the data or inspects incoming signals and decides whether to forward the signals or discard them.

12.   Gateway
Gateway is an interconnecting device that connects two dissimilar networks

13.   Repeater
Repeater is a device that amplifies the incoming signals, creates a copy of it and transmits the signal on network.

14.   MODEM

MODEM is a device which is used to transfer the data of one computer to another computer using telephone lines.

The role of MODEM in data transmission is that it transfers data from one computer to another through telephone line. It also converts the digital signal into analog and vice versa.

The importance of MODEM are: to access internet, perform modulation and demodulation process and transfer data from one computer to another through telephone line

15.   Modulation

The process of translating digital signals of a computer to analog signals, which are then transmitted across the standard telephone lines, is known as modulation.

16.   Demodulation

The process of translating analog signals from a phone line and converts then into digital signals for the computer is known as demodulation.