GRADE

11

TVL-ICT
COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING NCII
QUARTER 3 – MODULE 1

Setting-up Computer networks

(SUCN)
I. INTRODUCTION

A variety of networking devices is used on networks to improve the network’s

performance, to extend the effective range of its media, or to overcome hardware limitations.
The following sections will help you to understanding how these networking devices
operate and identifying the functions they perform.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Identify the different network devices
• Understand the function of each network devices
• Identify different networking tools

II. CONTENT

Networking devices, also known as network equipment or computer networking

hardware, are electronic devices which are required for communication and interaction between
devices on a computer network. Specifically, they mediate data transmission in a computer
network. Units which are the last receiver or generate data are called hosts, end systems or data
terminal equipment.

1. Hubs are used in networks that use twisted-pair cabling

to connect devices. Hubs can also be joined together to
create larger networks. Hubs are simple devices that
direct data packets to all devices connected to the hub,
regardless of whether the data package is destined for
the device. This makes them inefficient devices and can
create a performance bottleneck on busy networks.

2. Switches are the connectivity points of an Ethernet

network. Devices connect to switches via twisted-pair
cabling, one cable for each device. The difference
between hubs and switches is in how the devices deal
with the data that they receive. Whereas a hub forwards
the data it receives to all of the ports on the device, a
switch forwards it only to the port that connects to the
destination device.

3. Bridges are used to divide larger networks into smaller sections. They do this by sitting
between two physical network segments and managing the flow of data between the
two. By looking at the MAC address of the devices connected to each segment,
bridges can elect to forward the data or block it from crossing.

Issues to consider when using bridges:

a. Placement - Bridges should be positioned in the network using the 80/20
rule. This rule dictates that 80% of the data should be local and that the
other 20% should be destined for devices on the other side of the bridge.
b. Bridging loops - Bridging loops can occur when more than one bridge is
implemented on the network. In this scenario, the bridges can confuse each
other by leading one another to believe that a device is located on a certain
segment when it is not.

Types of bridges used in networks:

a. Transparent bridge - Derives its name from the fact that the devices on
the network are unaware of its existence. A transparent bridge does nothing

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 except block or forward data based on the MAC address.
b. Source route bridge - Used in Token Ring networks. The source route
bridge derives its name from the fact that the entire path that the packet is
to take through the network is embedded within the packet.
c. Translational bridge - Used to convert one networking data format to
another; for example, from Token Ring to Ethernet and vice versa.

4. Routers can be a dedicated hardware device or a

computer system with more than one network interface
and the appropriate routing software. These are used
to create larger networks by joining two network
segments. Such as a SOHO router used to connect a
user to the Internet. All modern network operating
systems include the functionality to act as a router.

Two ways that the router can get the information for the routing table:
a. static routing - routes and route information are entered into the routing
tables manually. Not only can this be a time-consuming task, but also
errors are more common.
b. dynamic routing - routers use special routing protocols to communicate.
The purpose of these protocols is simple; they enable routers to pass on
information about themselves to other routers so that other routers can
build routing tables.

5. Gateways are any device that translates one data

format to another. Some examples of gateways include
a router that translates data from one network protocol
to another, a bridge that converts between two
networking systems, and a software application that
converts between two dissimilar for- mats. The key point
about a gateway is that only the data format is translated,
not the data itself. In many cases, the gateway
functionality is incorporated into another device.

6. Network cards, also called Network Interface Cards,

are devices that enable computers to connect to the
network.

When specifying or installing a NIC, you must consider the following issues:
1. System bus compatibility - If the network interface you are installing is
an internal device, bus compatibility must be verified. The most com- mon
bus system in use is the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus,
but some older systems might still use Industry Standard Architecture (ISA)
expansion cards.
2. System resources - Network cards, like other devices, need IRQ and
memory I/O addresses. If the network card does not operate correctly after
installation, there might be a device conflict.
3. Media compatibility - Today, the assumption is that networks use twist- ed-
pair cabling, so if you need a card for coaxial or fiber-optic connections, you
must specify this. Wireless network cards are also available.

7. Wireless access points (APs) are a transmitter and receiver (transceiver) device
used to create a wireless LAN (WLAN). These are typically a separate network device
with a built-in antenna, transmitter, and adapter. They use the wireless infrastructure

2
 network mode to provide a connection point between WLANs and a wired Ethernet
LAN. APs also typically have several ports allowing a way to expand the network to
support additional clients.

8. Modems (modulator/demodulator), are device that

converts the digital signals generated by a computer into
analog signals that can travel over conventional phone
lines. The modem at the receiving end converts the signal
back into a format the computer can understand. Modems
can be used as a means to connect to an ISP or as a
mechanism for dialing up to a LAN.

9. Patch panel are hardware with multiple ports that helps

organize a group of cable. Each of these ports contains a
wire that goes to a different location. Patch panels can be
quite small, with just a few ports, or very large, with many
hundreds of ports. They can also be set up for fiber optic
cables, cat5 cables, RJ45 cables, and many others.

10. Repeaters are network devices operating at physical

layer of the OSI model that amplify or regenerate an
incoming signal before retransmitting it. They are
incorporated in networks to expand its coverage area.
They are also known as signal boosters.
Types of Repeaters:

According to regenerate:

a. Analog Repeaters − They can only amplify the analog signal.

b. Digital Repeaters − They can reconstruct a distorted signal.

According to connect:
a. Wired Repeaters − They are used in wired LANs.
b. Wireless Repeaters − They are used in wireless LANs and cellular networks.

According to domain:
a. Local Repeaters − They connect LAN segments separated by small
distance.
b. Remote Repeaters − They connect LANs that are far from each other.

Common Networking tools and Equipment’s

Crimping tool - device used to conjoin two pieces of metal by

deforming one or both of them in a way that causes them to hold
each other. The result of the tool's work is called a crimp. A good
example of crimping is the process of affixing a connector to the
end of a cable. For instance, network cables and phone cables
are created using a crimping tool to join the RJ-45 and RJ- 11
connectors to the both ends of either phone or CAT5 cable.

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Cable tester - device that is used to test the strength and
connectivity of a particular type of cable or other wired
assemblies. There are a number of different types of cable
testers, each able to test a specific type of cable or wire (some
may be able to test different types of cables or wires). A cable
tester can test whether a cable or wire is set up properly,
connected correctly, and the communication strength between
the source and destination.

Punch down tool, also called a krone tool, is a hand tool used
to connect telecommunications and network wires to a patch
panel, punch down block, keystone module, or surface mount
box. The "punch down" part of the name comes from punching a
wire into place using an impact action. It consists of a handle, a
spring mechanism, and a removable slotted blade. When the
punch down tool connects a wire, the blade cuts off the excess
wire.

A tool designed to remove the protective covering (jacket) off of

a cable to expose the inner wires. Because different wires come
in different shapes, there are dozens of different wire strippers
available. In the picture is an example of a wire stripper that strips
cables when placed in-between the blade and the holder and
spun around the cable until the cable jacket can be pulled off.

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable - a popular type of cable

that consists of two unshielded wires twisted around each other.
Due to its low cost, UTP cabling is used extensively for local-
area networks (LANs) and telephone connections.

Registered Jack-45 - is an 8-pin connection used for Ethernet

network adapters. This connector resembles the RJ-11 or 6-pin
connector used with telephones in the United States, but they're
completely different. The picture is of a RJ-45 connector
separated from the cable.

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III. ACTIVITY PROPER

ACTIVITY 1.
Directions: Identify the name of the following pictures shown. Write the answer on your
answer sheet.

Network Cable Tester RJ45 Crimping Tool

Wire Stripper Punch Down Tool UTP Cable

1.______________________________________

2.______________________________________

3.______________________________________

4.______________________________________

5.______________________________________

ACTIVITY 2.
Directions: Match the following Network devices in Column A with their corresponding device
name in Column B. Write the letter of your choice on your answer sheet.

Column A Column B

_________________1. A. Router

B. Switch

C. Hub
_________________2.

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_________________3. D. Patch Panel

E. Modem

_________________4. F. Repeater

_________________5.

ANSWER KEY

III. ACTIVITY PROPER

ACTIVITY 1.

1. RJ45
2. Wire Stripper
3. Crimping Tool
4. Punch Down Tool
5. Network cable Tester

ACTIVITY 2.

1. E
2. C
3. B
4. F
5. D

References:
“Network Device”. Accessed January 14, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Networking_hardware

“Network Devices”. Accessed January 14, 2021, https://commons.wikimedia.org

/wiki/Category: Images

“Network tools, equipment’s and testing devices” Ismael Balana. Accessed January
15, 2021, http:// cssnctwo.weebly.com/ application-software

“Fundamentals of network”. Accessed January 15, 2021, https://www.Computer

networkingnotes.com/networking-tutorials/computer-networking-devices-explained-
with-function.html

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IV. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
(Use the ANSWER SHEET attached herein)

NAME: _______________________________________ SCORE: ______________

SUBJ.TEACHER: ___________________________GRADE/SECTION: __________

A. Directions: Identify what is being defined, describe or asked. Write your answer in your
answer sheet.

____1. Which device is used for connectivity points of an Ethernet network?

A. Modem C. Router
B. Hub D. Switch

___2. Which hardware device uses multiple ports to organize a group of cables?
A. Patch Panel C. Repeater
B. Router D. Switch

___3. Which device operate at physical layer of the OSI model that amplifies or regenerates
an incoming signal before retransmitting it?
A. Repeater C. Switch
B. Modem D. Hub

___4. Which device convert the digital signal generated by a computer into analog signal
that can travel over conventional phone lines?
A. Modem C. Hub
B. Repeater D. Router

___5. Which device separate network with a built-in antenna, transmitter, and adapter?
A. Hub C. Modem
B. WAP D. Router

___6. Which device enable computer to connect to the network?

A. NIC C. Hub
B. WAP D. AP

___7. Which device translate one data format to another?

A. Gateway C. Router
B. WAP D. Modem

___8. Which device divide larger network into smaller section?

A. Bridge C. Switch
B. Router D. Hub

___9. Which device uses twisted-pair cabling to connect device?

A. Hub C. Bridge
B. NIC D. Router

___10. Which device is used to test the strength and connectivity of a particular type of cable
or other wired assemblies?
A. Patch down tool C. Stripping tool
B. Crimping tool D. Network cable tester

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B. Directions: Match Column A with the correct answer on Column B. Write your answer in
your answer sheet.

Column A Column B
_____1. Bridge A. Device that convert the digital signals generated by a
computer into analog signal.
_____2. Router B. Device which are required for communication and
interaction between devices on a computer network.
_____3. Network device C. Device used to divide larger networks into smaller
section
_____4. Modem D. Device used twisted-pair cabling to connect another
device.
_____5. Hub E. Device used to create larger networks by joining two
network segments.
F. Device hardware with multiple ports to organize a group
of cables.

C. Directions: Read and answer comprehensively the following questions based on your
understanding. Write your answer in your answer sheet.

1. What is the difference between network hub from network switch? (5pts)
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________.

2. Discuss the issues that should be considered when specifying or installing Network
Interface Cards. (5pts)
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________.

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 ANSWER SHEET

NAME: _____________________________________________GRADE/SEC: ___________

SUBJECT TEACHER: _________________________________SCORE: _______________

III. ACTIVITY PROPER

ACTIVITY 1. ACTIVITY 2.
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.

IV. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

A. B.
1. 6. 1.
2. 7. 2.
3. 8. 3.
4. 9. 4.
5. 10. 5.

C.

1. ______________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________.
2. ______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________.