Network Interface Cards (NICs)
- Network Interface Cards (NICs) are essential for connecting computers to a network.
- They can be wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi).
NICs handle the physical and data link layers of the OSI model, ensuring data is transmitted correctly between devices.
Routers and Switches
- Routers direct data packets between different networks, while switches manage data flow within a single network.
- Routers use routing tables to determine the best path for data, while switches use MAC addresses to forward data to the correct device.
In a home network, a router connects your devices to the internet, while a switch might connect multiple computers in an office.
Servers
- Servers are powerful computers that provide resources, services, or data to other devices (clients) on the network.
- Types of servers include web servers , file servers , and database servers.
Servers often have redundant power supplies and RAID storage to ensure reliability and uptime.
Storage Devices
- Distributed networks use various storage solutions, such as Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Storage Area Networks (SAN).
- These devices allow multiple users to access and share data simultaneously.
A NAS device can store backups for an entire office, making data recovery easier in case of hardware failure.
Wireless Access Points (WAPs)
- Wireless Access Points (WAPs) enable wireless devices to connect to the network.
- They are essential for supporting mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
WAPs use protocols like Wi-Fi 6 to provide faster speeds and better coverage.
