University of Education Okara Campus

Components of Network
1. Routers
2. Repeaters
3. Bridges
4. Hub
5. Switches
6. Protocols
7. Gateways
8. Servers
9. Modems
10. Network Cards
11. Cables
1. Routers:
A Router is a device that transfers data from one network to another in an intelligent way. It has
the task of forwarding data packets to their destination by the most efficient route.

2. Repeaters
A repeater is a device that receive signals amplify that signals and then forward them, it is use
for long distance communication.

3. Bridges:
A Bridge does just what you would expect it to do - it joins two networks together so as far as
data packets are concerned it looks like one large network Both networks have to be using the
same protocol (see protocol page).

4. Hub:
The network 'Hub' allows computers to share data packets within a network.

5. Switches:

A network cable can only have one data packet in it at any instant.

So if two or more computers want to place a data packet on to the network at exactly the same
time, then a 'data collision' will take place.

The network protocol is set up to deal with this. Basically it declares the collided data as
unusable and forces the two computers to re-send their data packets at a slightly different time.

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This is fine for a lightly loaded network with only a few computers on-line. You will not notice
the s mall delay caused by data collisions.

A switch is use to resolve this problem.

6. Protocols

A 'NETWORK PROTOCOL' is the agreed method of communication to be used within the

network.

7. Gateways

A gateway converts the data passing between dissimilar networks so that each side can
communicate with each other. i.e converts data into the correct network protocol.

8. Servers:
A server is any machine that provides a service for other users on the network.

9. Modems:
A modem converts the digital data from the computer into a continuous analogue wave form that
the telephone system is designed to deal with (MODulation). The reason for this is that the
telephone system was originally designed for the human voice i.e. continuous signals. The
modem also converts the analogue signal from the telephone network back into digital data that
the computer can understand.

10. Network Cards:

Network cards are required in every machine connected to the network. They allow the signal from
the network to be transmitted to the machine – this could be via a fixed cable, infra red or radio
waves.

11. Cables

How do you transfer data from one point to another on a network?

This has to be done by some physical effect.

There are three main methods of transferring data:

Electrical
Radio or Microwave
Infrared

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