Communication Devices

The hardware used to transmit data, instructions

and informations between sending and receiving
devices is called communication devices.

Types of communication
devices
 Modem
 Network Card
 Wireless Access Point
 HUB
 Network Switch
 Routers
 Bridges
Modem
Modem stands for modulation/ demodulation. It
is a commonly used communication device.
Modem sends data from one computer to another
on the Internet through telephone lines. The
sending and receiving computers must have
modems.

Working of Modem
Computer stores information in the form of digital
signals. The information transmitted over
telephone lines is in the form of analog signals.
The modem receives data from computer in digital
form and converts it into analog form. This
process is called modulation. It sends data to
other computer using telephone lines. The
modem on receiving computer receives data in
analog form. It converts the analog data back into
digital form. This process is called demodulation.

Network Card
Network card is a communication device. It is used
to connect a computer to a network. It is circuit
board installed on the motherboard. Nowadays,
most computer system has a network card.

Wireless Access Point

A wireless access point is a central communication
device. It allows computer and other devices to
transfer data wirelessly among themselves or to a
wired network. Wireless access points have
quality antennas for optimal signals. Some
manufactures suggest to place the wireless access
point at the highest possible location for the best
signals.
HUB
A hub also called concentrator. It provides a
central point for cables in a network. Hubs also
transmit signals and have multiple ports to which
devices are connect. Hub connects the computers
to a network. A hub can handle only one-way
information traffic at a time.
Network Switch
Network switch is more intelligent device than
hub. It receives a message from any device
connected to the network and then transmits the
message only to that device for which the
message was meant. It can also handle multiple
communications channels at the same time.
Routers
A router is a communication device that connects
multiple computers or other routers together. It
connects multiple networks using similar or
different protocols. It manages the best route
between any two communication networks.
Routers are used when several networks are
connected together. They can connect networks
of different countries. They transfer data in less
time. The router is an intelligent device.

Bridges
A network bridges can be used in computer
networks to interconnect two LANs and to
separate network segments. A segment is a
section of a network. When a bridge receives a
signal, it determines the segment where the signal
should be sent. It reads the address of sending
and receiving computers. The bridge does not
pass the signal to the other segment if sending
and receiving computers are both in the same
segment. It reduces network traffic and increase
network performance.