Unlock the Key Components in Computer Network
Introduction
The computer network is the backbone of modern communication through which we communicate. It lays down the foundation for connecting devices and enables them to share data and access resources through them. Understanding the components in computer network is very essential whether you’re studying for the CCNA exam or you studying computer networks in a college or university. The main components of the computer network are listed below one-by-one:
Components in Computer Network
Indeed, a computer network component includes “those hardware components that make a computer network”. Each component in a computer network acts as a building block that comes together to create a reliable and efficient computer networking system. The main components are:
1) Router
A router is a layer three device that acts as a traffic controller in a computer network, which directs the data packets between devices and networks. It works to connect two different networks and deliver the packets across the best path. The installation of a router depends on the size of the network. If the network size is small such as SOHO, then a Wi-Fi router is sufficient and will connect you to the internet. But, if the network size is larger than SOHO, then you will install a router that meets your requirements, e.g. Cisco 800, 1700, 2800, or 7200 series routers will be required for a medium to large size network.
2) Switch
A switch is a layer two device that helps us to connect our computers to an office. It is an intranet device that we use in an office. It enables our networking devices to share data within an office, such as computers, printers, etc. The size of the network decides which type of switch is needed for it. If the size of the company is small, then the Cisco 2900 model switch is sufficient. However, for large networks, a Cisco 4500 or 6500 series switch will be needed to install it.
3) Modem
Modem stands for “modulation and demodulation” whose task is to convert a digital signal to analog and analog signals to digital signals. The computer only knows digital signals. That’s why any signal that is coming to the modem in the analog form it converted it into digital form. So, that computer can understand it. Moreover, the modem may be wired or wireless. There are two types of modems.
1) Internal Modem: It is built within a device and it uses computer power for its operations.
2) External Modem: This type of modem is used outside of a computer and it uses separate power for its operation.
4) Access Point
Access Point or AP is a device through which we connect our end devices wirelessly. It helps us connect our smartphones or laptops to a wired network. We use access points to extend the network where a wired network cannot be laid down. APs are the most widely used networking devices in small offices and homes. Access Point is of the following types:
1. standalone Access Point
2. Controller-Based Access Point
3. Centralized-Based Access Point
4. Mesh Access Point
5. Indoor Access Point
6. Outdoor Access Point
7. Universal/Hybrid Access Point
8. SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) Access Point
8. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Access Point.
5. Firewall
A firewall is a device that protects our internal network from networking attacks. Moreover, we can block unwanted traffic that we don’t want to allow it. It protects our computers from malicious software that is harmful to our data. The firewall either will be software or hardware. Software firewalls are installed within an operating software. However, hardware firewalls are dedicated to protecting networks from malicious activities. A firewall is essential for today’s modern network due to increasing the number of attacks on the network.
6. Cables and Connectors
The major component of computer networking is the medium through which our data travels. Cables are the physical infrastructure that connects our networking devices to the network. Ethernet cables such as Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7, while fiber-optic cables are commonly used in network setups. Moreover, RJ-45 and SFPs connectors ensure reliable connectivity.
7. Server
The word “server” derives from the word “serve”, so a server is a machine that provides services to the computers known as clients.
The client sends a request for a specific service, and the server provides the requested service to the client. It monitors and controls how clients communicate with the server as well as with other clients.
Servers and normal computers are different from each other. The server has a special type of hardware such as NIC, Processor, RAM, hard disc, power supply, and much other hardware. Most servers have alternative hardware, such as a double power supply, RAM, Hard Disc, processors, etc.
Moreover, the server has its own software for its operations. The most commonly used servers are web servers, database servers, DNS, DHCP, mail, ADDS, file servers, etc. Servers monitor the traffic, and we can block users from network resources.
8. NIC
NIC stands for network interface card, a device through which we connect our computers to the network. It is widely used in modern computer networks for communication.
NIC may be either internal or external NIC. Internal NICs are built into the computer CPU. For those computers that don’t have an NIC, then we connect our computer to the external NIC through a USB connector.
NIC has a unique hexadecimal number, which is known as the MAC address. It is a 48-bit number that is burnt on the NIC.
