Hardware Support
Key Components of Network Hardware Support
1. Network Devices
- Routers – Directs data between networks and provides internet access.
- Switches – Connects multiple devices within a LAN and manages data traffic.
- Hubs – Basic network device that broadcasts data to all connected devices.
- Modems – Converts digital signals into analog for internet connectivity.
- Access Points (APs) – Provides wireless connectivity in WLANs.
2. Cabling and Connectors
- Ethernet Cables (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7, etc.) – Used for wired network connections.
- Fiber Optic Cables – Used for high-speed, long-distance communication.
- Coaxial Cables – Used in broadband internet and cable TV networks.
- Connectors (RJ45, BNC, LC, SC, etc.) – Ensures proper cable connections.
Networking
Key Features of LAN:
- Limited Coverage – Typically spans a small area (e.g., a single building or campus).
- High Speed – LANs offer high data transfer rates (e.g., 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps).
- Private Ownership – Usually owned and maintained by a single organization.
- Low Latency – Due to short distances, communication delays are minimal.
Types of LAN:
- Wired LAN: Uses Ethernet cables and switches (e.g., Ethernet-based networks).
- Wireless LAN (WLAN): Uses Wi-Fi technology to connect devices without cables.
Components of a LAN:
- Network Devices: Routers, switches, hubs, and access points.
- Computers & Servers: Devices that communicate and share data.
- Cabling & Connectors: Ethernet cables (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.) or wireless signals.
- Network Interface Cards (NICs): Hardware that enables devices to connect to the network.
Common LAN Protocols:
- Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) – Most widely used LAN standard for wired networks.
- Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) – Used for wireless LAN connections.
Circuit Boards
Types of Circuit Boards in Computing & Networking
1. Motherboard
- The main circuit board in a computer.
- Connects the CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals.
- Houses expansion slots (PCIe, RAM slots) and connectors.
2. Network Interface Card (NIC)
- A circuit board that enables computers to connect to a network.
- Comes in wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) versions.
- Can be integrated into the motherboard or installed as an expansion card.
3. Router & Switch Circuit Boards
- Found inside networking devices like routers, switches, and hubs.
- Manages data traffic, MAC address tables, and routing functions.
- Includes processors, memory chips, and network ports.
4. Power Supply Unit (PSU) Circuit Board
- Converts electricity into the required voltage for different components.
- Includes capacitors, resistors, and transformers for stable power delivery.
5. Graphics Card (GPU) Circuit Board
- A specialized circuit board for rendering graphics.
- Contains a GPU chip, video memory (VRAM), and cooling systems.
