What are the hardware used in networking?
Network hardware is defined as a set of physical or network devices that are essential for interaction and communication between hardware units operational on a computer network.
Networking hardware, also known as network equipment or computer networking devices, are electronic devices which are required for communication and interaction between devices on a computer network. Specifically, they mediate data transmission in a computer network.
Network hardware can be classified by its location and role in the network-
Various types of Hardware networking devices are used in computer networking so that the network can run smoothly. like-
A hub is a networking device used to connect multiple computers or other networking devices to a series of ports that connect computers and other devices. It transfers data to all the computers in the network.
2.Switch:-
A switch is similar to a hub that contains a series of ports for connecting computers and networking devices. It sends the data only to the destination computers so it is an intelligent device. It is very popular nowadays and used in star topology.
3.Repeater:-
It is a device that reproduces or amplifies signals. This makes the weak signal stronger so that they can travel longer distances.
4.Bridge:-
A bridge is a networking device that joins a segment of a different network using the same or similar protocols. This helps to reduce traffic and improve network performance.
5.Router:-
A router is a network connecting device that connects multiple networks with the same protocol. It can select the best path to transfer data in multiple parts. To put it simply, a router connects devices within a network by forwarding data packets between them. This data can be sent between devices, or from devices to the internet. The router does this by assigning a local IP address to each of the devices on the network.
6.Gateway:-
A gateway is a device or software that connects different networks with different protocols. This makes communication between two different networks possible.
7.Modem:-
Modem is a device that converts digital signal into analog signal and vice versa. The process of converting digital into analog signal is modulation and the conversion of analog to digital signal is known as demodulation.
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