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1. Second Semester 2023-2024 Academic Session

Engr. Usman Ishaq Karofi
B.Sc. Software Engineering (Al-Qalam University
Katsina)
[email protected]
CTE 244 Computer Networking

2. Week 3: Network Hardware Components:
Objectives:

•Understand the function and purpose of various network hardware
components.
•Learn how to identify and differentiate between different types of
networking devices.
•Understand the roles of network hardware in setting up and maintaining a
network.

3. What is Network Hardware Component?
Network hardware components are essential for connecting devices and
ensuring the smooth transmission of data. These components can be broadly
categorized into devices that facilitate connectivity, data transmission, and
network management.

4. Key Network Hardware Components
•Network Interface Card (NIC)
•Hubs
•Switches
•Routers
•Modems
•Access Point (APs)
•Firewalls
•Repeaters
•Bridges
•Gate Ways

5. Network Interface Card (NIC)
•A hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a network.
•Can be wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi).
•Each NIC has a unique MAC address.

6. Hubs
•A basic networking device that connects multiple computers in a LAN.
•Operates at the Physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model.
•Transmits data to all devices connected, regardless of the destination.

7. Switches
•Connect multiple devices within a LAN and use MAC addresses to forward
data only to the intended recipient.
•Operate at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.
•More efficient than hubs, as they reduce unnecessary data traffic.

8. Routers
•Connect different networks and route data packets between them.
•Operate at the Network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model.
•Use IP addresses to determine the best path for data transmission.

9. Modems
•Modulate and demodulate signals for data transmission over telephone
lines or cable.
•Essential for connecting to the internet through an ISP.

10. Access Points (APs)
•Provide wireless connectivity within a network.
•Operate within the same frequency range as other Wi-Fi devices (e.g., 2.4
GHz, 5 GHz).

11. Firewalls
•Monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on
predetermined security rules.
•Can be hardware-based or software-based.
•Operate primarily at the Network layer (Layer 3) but can function at higher
layers.

12. Repeaters
•Amplify and regenerate signals to extend the range of a network.
•Used in both wired and wireless networks.

13. Bridges
•Connect two or more network segments, improving performance by
reducing collisions.
•Operate at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.

14. Gateways
•Serve as a bridge between different networking protocols.
•Operate at various layers of the OSI model, depending on the
implementation.

15. Suggested Reading:
•"Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach" by James F. Kurose and
Keith W. Ross
•"Networking All-in-One For Dummies" by Doug Lowe

16. Assignment:
•Write a report on the functions and importance of each network hardware
component discussed.
•Compare the roles of a switch and a router in a network. Include a diagram
illustrating their functions.