Networking Hardware

There are several essential parts of hardware needed to make a network:

cabling

There are two types of cabling popular locally in offices, etc.: thin ethernet and 10BaseT twisted pair. The advantage of thin ethernet is that it can be used to connect computers without other hardware (like a concentrator). The disadvantage of thin ethernet is that when one cable malfunctions, the whole network segment stops functioning. The advantage of 10BaseT is that cabling often exists in buildings because it is the same wiring as is used for office telephone systems.

network adapter card

Each computer on the network connects to the cabling with a network card. Network cards are available for almost all computers and for a PC can be bought for under $100.

routers

Routers connect different subnetworks (one office) to another subnetwork (another office) or to a larger network (like the Internet). It is called a router because it is programmed to route the information from one place to the other.

bridges

A bridge can be used if network nodes are far apart. The specification of the cabling says that nodes can only be a certain distance apart (e.g. several hundreds of feet in the case of thin ethernet). When longer distances are needed a bridge can be used to "boost" the signal.

concentrators

Concentrators are needed when 10BaseT cabling is used. All the wiring comes together in one place (see figure) and is connected to a concentrator. This concentrator can then be connected to a router.

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