Detailed Study on Networking Components
Cables and Connectors
Cables and connectors are the physical medium through which data is transmitted in a
network.
Types of Cables:
1. Twisted Pair Cable:
- Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Commonly used in Ethernet networks. Cost-effective and
easy to install.
- Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Has shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference.
- Speeds: Up to 10 Gbps depending on category (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a).
2. Coaxial Cable:
- Consists of a central conductor, insulating layer, and shielding.
- Used in older Ethernet and cable television networks.
3. Fiber Optic Cable:
- Transmits data as light signals.
- High speed, long-distance, and immune to electromagnetic interference.
4. Ethernet Cable:
- UTP or STP cables used to connect devices in local area networks (LANs).
- RJ45 connectors are standard.
Connectors:
- RJ45 Connector: Used for Ethernet cables.
- BNC Connector: Used with coaxial cables.
- LC/SC/ST Connectors: Used with fiber optic cables.
Switches
A switch is a networking device that connects devices in a LAN and uses MAC addresses to
forward data to the correct device.
Types:
1. Unmanaged Switch: Plug-and-play functionality. No configuration needed.
2. Managed Switch: Offers advanced features like VLANs, quality of service (QoS), and
remote management.
3. Layer 2 Switch: Operates on the Data Link layer. Uses MAC addresses for forwarding data.
4. Layer 3 Switch: Combines switch and router capabilities. Can route data based on IP
addresses.
Features:
- Full-Duplex Communication: Simultaneous sending and receiving of data.
- Port Mirroring: For monitoring network traffic.
- PoE (Power over Ethernet): Supplies power to devices like IP cameras or access points.
Hubs
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices in a LAN and broadcasts
incoming data to all ports.
Types:
1. Active Hub: Amplifies signals before broadcasting.
2. Passive Hub: Simply forwards signals without amplification.
3. Intelligent Hub: Adds management capabilities like monitoring and diagnostics.
Disadvantages:
- Broadcasts data to all devices, leading to network inefficiency.
- Lacks intelligence to filter data or manage collisions.
Routers and Gateways
Routers:
A router connects multiple networks and routes data packets based on IP addresses. It
operates on the Network layer (Layer 3).
- Routes data between devices in a LAN and the internet.
- Assigns IP addresses using DHCP.
- Offers NAT (Network Address Translation) for secure communication.
Gateways:
A gateway acts as an entry and exit point in a network. It translates data between different
protocols, making it essential for communication between dissimilar networks.
- Example: Converting IPv4 to IPv6.
- Allowing communication between a TCP/IP network and a non-TCP/IP network.
Clients and Servers
- Client: A device or application that requests services from a server (e.g., a web browser
accessing a website).
- Server: A device or program that provides resources or services to clients.
Types of Servers:
1. File Server: Stores and manages files.
2. Web Server: Hosts websites.
3. Database Server: Provides database services.
4. Email Server: Manages email communication.
Communication:
- Uses client-server architecture.
- Common protocols: HTTP, FTP, SMTP.
Host
A host is any device connected to a network with the capability to send and receive data.
Examples include:
- Computers.
- Servers.
- IoT devices.
Host Functions:
- Identified by a unique IP address.
- Can act as a client or a server in a network.
NIC (Network Interface Card)
NIC is a hardware component that allows a device to connect to a network.
Types:
1. Ethernet NIC: Uses Ethernet standards (e.g., 10/100/1000 Mbps).
2. Wireless NIC: Connects to Wi-Fi networks using standards like IEEE 802.11.
Features:
- MAC Address: Unique identifier for a NIC.
- Data Transfer Rate: Depends on the NIC type.
- Can be built-in or added as an external card.
