Modem means to modulate or demodulate, it is a device that converts a computer's digital signal

into analogue to allow transmission over an existing phone line and also converts analogue signals
to digital so that the computer is able to process the data. The main purpose of modems are to allow
computers to connect to a network over long distances.

Hubs are devices that allow a number of other devuces to connect to them to for a Local Area
Network. It is mainly used to take any data packet recieved at one of its ports and share it to every
other comouter connected in the network which does not make it a very efficient method of data
distribution.

Switches are also similar to Hubs . They recieve data packets and unlike the hub the switch checks
the data packet recieved and finds its destination address through the Media Access Control address
given that is different for each computer in a network and send the data to those specific computers
only which makes it a more efficient way of data distribution in a network.

Bridges are devices that connect one LAN to another LAN that should have the same protocols or
communication rules. They connnect different parts of a LAN so that they can work as a single LAN
to prevent traffic by sending data packets to all possible destinations.

Routers enable data packets to be routed between different networks, for example to join a LAN
woth a WAN. A router has an internet cable plugged into it and several cables connecting to
computers and other devices on the LAN. The router's main function is to transmit internet and
protocols between two networks and also allow private networks to be connected together.