Week 4

Chapter: Network hardware

assalamualaikum~

Today, my entry will be on network hardware. But on top of that, let's just browse through the network architecture. There are two major types of network architecture:
a) Peer-to-peer

• workstations connected to each other but do not have servers.
• files can be shared between workstations and also the printers. 

b) client/server network

• consists of two kinds of computers
• clients are the workstations, servers are powerful computers and held in central locations.
• need client software and server software

let's skip the architecture part and went straight to the hardware. what are the equipments available in network hardware?

1. Client - servers configuration

• server - controls the communication of information between the nodes on a network. 
• client/ workstations - all computers connected to the file server on a network

2. Network Interface Card

• provides the physical connection between the network and the workstation
• necessary to determine the speed and performance of network

3. Repeaters

• connectors that take signals that is being transferred on a network and re-transmits the information.
• allow signal to travel farther along a network
• do not operate efficiently when they have to transfer large amount of information.

4. Hub/Switch

• device that provides a central connection point for cables from workstations, servers and peripherals. 
• multislot concentrators 
• passive hubs - do not process information, connect wires to the network
• active hubs - amplify signals to eliminate errors on the network.

5. Bridges

• allows computer on individual networks or separate parts of a network to exchange information.
• can only transfer information from one network to another. 
• split an overloaded network into smaller parts.

6. Routers

• link different networks together. 
• analyse the information passing through to prevent looping problems. 
• determine the best route for information

7. Gateways

• link two different network types together. 
• a hardware device that connect to the network physically and transfer information between them.

8. Modems

• allow computers on a network to exchange information.
• translates information into a form that can be transmitted over telephone lines
• inexpensive way of communication

CABLING

UTP Cable connectors

• unshielded twisted pair cabling is an RJ-45 connector.
• a plastic connector that looks like a large telephone-style connector. 

Coaxial cable connector

• familiar from TV cable and VCR. 

Fibre optic connector

• common used in fibre optic connector is the ST connector.