CHAPTER 3

CONNECT NETWORK DEVICES

Hardware devices that are used to connect computers, printers, fax machines and other electronic
devices to a network are called network devices. These devices transfer data in a fast, secure and
correct way over same or different networks. Network devices may be inter-network or intra-
network. Some devices are installed on the device, like NIC card or RJ45 connector, whereas
some are part of the network, like router, switch, etc. Let us explore some of these devices in
greater detail.

Modem

Modem is a device that enables a computer to send or receive data over telephone or cable lines.
The data stored on the computer is digital whereas a telephone line or cable wire can transmit
only analog data.

The main function of the modem is to convert digital signal into analog and vice versa. Modem
is a combination of two devices − modulator and demodulator. The modulator converts digital
data into analog data when the data is being sent by the computer. The demodulator converts
analog data signals into digital data when it is being received by the computer.

Types of Modem
Modem can be categorized in several ways like direction in which it can transmit data, type of
connection to the transmission line, transmission mode, etc.

Depending on direction of data transmission, modem can be of these types −

 Simplex − A simplex modem can transfer data in only one direction, from digital device
to network (modulator) or network to digital device (demodulator).
 Half duplex − A half-duplex modem has the capacity to transfer data in both the
directions but only one at a time.
 Full duplex − A full duplex modem can transmit data in both the directions
simultaneously.

RJ45 Connector

RJ45 is the acronym for Registered Jack 45. RJ45 connector is an 8-pin jack used by devices
to physically connect to Ethernet based local area networks (LANs). Ethernet is a technology
that defines protocols for establishing a LAN. The cable used for Ethernet LANs are twisted pair
ones and have RJ45 connector pins at both ends. These pins go into the corresponding socket
on devices and connect the device to the network.

Ethernet Card

Ethernet card, also known as network interface card (NIC), is a hardware component used by
computers to connect to Ethernet LAN and communicate with other devices on the LAN. The
earliest Ethernet cards were external to the system and needed to be installed manually. In
modern computer systems, it is an internal hardware component. The NIC has RJ45
socket where network cable is physically plugged in.

Ethernet card speeds may vary depending upon the protocols it supports. Old Ethernet cards
had maximum speed of 10 Mbps. However, modern cards support fast Ethernets up to a speed
of 100 Mbps. Some cards even have capacity of 1 Gbps.

Router

A router is a network layer hardware device that transmits data from one LAN to another if
both networks support the same set of protocols. So a router is typically connected to at least
two LANs and the internet service provider (ISP). It receives its data in the form of packets,
which are data frames with their destination address added. Router also strengthens the signals
before transmitting them. That is why it is also called repeater.
Routing Table

A router reads its routing table to decide the best available route the packet can take to reach its
destination quickly and accurately. The routing table may be of these two types −

 Static − In a static routing table the routes are fed manually. So it is suitable only for very
small networks that have maximum two to three routers.
 Dynamic − In a dynamic routing table, the router communicates with other routers
through protocols to determine which routes are free. This is suited for larger networks
where manual feeding may not be feasible due to large number of routers.

Switch
Switch is a network device that connects other devices to Ethernet networks through twisted
pair cables. It uses packet switching technique to receive, store and forward data packets on
the network. The switch maintains a list of network addresses of all the devices connected to it.

On receiving a packet, it checks the destination address and transmits the packet to the correct
port. Before forwarding, the packets are checked for collision and other network errors. The data
is transmitted in full duplex mode

Data transmission speed in switches can be double that of other network devices like hubs used
for networking. This is because switch shares its maximum speed with all the devices connected
to it. This helps in maintaining network speed even during high traffic. In fact, higher data
speeds are achieved on networks through use of multiple switches.

Gateway

Gateway is a network device used to connect two or more dissimilar networks. In networking
parlance, networks that use different protocols are dissimilar networks. A gateway usually is a
computer with multiple NICs connected to different networks. A gateway can also be configured
completely using software. As networks connect to a different network through gateways, these
gateways are usually hosts or end points of the network.

Gateway uses packet switching technique to transmit data from one network to another. In this
way it is similar to a router, the only difference being router can transmit data only over
networks that use same protocols.

Wi-Fi Card

Wi-Fi is the acronym for wireless fidelity. Wi-Fi technology is used to achieve wireless
connection to any network. Wi-Fi card is a card used to connect any device to the local
network wirelessly. The physical area of the network which provides internet access through Wi-
Fi is called Wi-Fi hotspot. Hotspots can be set up at home, office or any public space. Hotspots
themselves are connected to the network through wires.
A Wi-Fi card is used to add capabilities like teleconferencing, downloading digital camera
images, video chat, etc. to old devices. Modern devices come with their in-built wireless
network adapter.

Importance of Termination

This is the decryption of encrypted data at the server

Stability and connectivity of the network

The goal of network stability is to get all packets traveling from source to destination at a regular
speed. Unstable Wi-Fi is often caused by wireless congestion. Congestion problems are
common in apartment complexes or densely-packed neighborhoods when too many people using
Wi-Fi lead to overlapping networks, mixed signals, and degraded Wi-Fi performance.

Network connectivity refers to the extensive process of connecting various parts of a network to
one another may be through the use of routers, switches and gateways, and the method of the
process
 Cable Management

Cable Management is used to describe the way cabling is routed, organized, and supported.
This involves organizing your cabling and connectivity hardware in a way that makes it easy to
identify components and troubleshoot problems. This makes future upgrades and repairs easier
while keeping your IT spaces professional.

Cable management is essential to create a visually pleasing and clean work environment.
Managing cables or wires help maintain basic functionality and protects the devices from the
clogged airflow due to messy and disorganized cables. Tangled wires or cables are generally
frustrating and time-consuming to untangle

Importance of cable management

1. Ease of Use: One of the fundamental reasons for proper cable management is to provide an
organization and its employees with the comfort to access the cables and the connected devices.
Tangled and unorganized cabling leads to stress at work and takes a significant amount of time to
make sense of it all. It leads to decreased efficiency at work, and simple tasks may take much
longer than they really should. For this reason, it is vital to organize, tag, and mark the cables
with their purpose.
2. Safety Hazard: Another critical reason for proper cable management has to be keeping fire
safety in mind. Tangled and messy wires are more likely to lead to sparks and possibly fire.
Tripping over cable bundles is another safety hazard that, if left unchecked, can damage the
devices that these wires are connected to as well as create an unsafe work environment for your
employees.
3. Troubleshooting: While troubleshooting a device, one of the initial tasks involves testing the
data cable to ensure it is in working condition. Such simple tasks can become complex if wires
are not properly managed.
The ability to easily access cables, troubleshoot the network and hardware, and perform basic
tasks is one of the many reasons why cable management is so important.