- NETWORK INTERFACE CARD (NIC) OR NETWORK CONNECTOR
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| NETWORK INTERFACE CARD |
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| NETWORK CONNECTOR |
Computers on a network need to be able to communicate with the server
and with other computers. In order to do this, a network interface card
(NIC) is required or a built-in network chip is included on the
motherboard, such as in the laptop opposite. The hardware handles all
the physical network signals. The NIC allows data to be communicated to
and from a networked computer
- WI-FI CARD
When using computer on a wireless network, it need to be able to send
data to and receive data from the server and other computers on the
network. This may be done by a built-in wifi in the laptop or mobile
device connected to a local network. If laptop needs to connect via a
mobile wifi network whilst on the move, then you can also purchase a
wifi 'dongle' that looks like a memory stick and is inserted into a USB
port. It works in just the same way but is designed to work with a
specific mobile internet network provider.
- ROUTER
This is a very important network communication device. It is responsible
for sending network traffic to its correct destination. It works by
reading the destination network address within each data packet and
sends it along its way. There can be many routers on a large network.
- MODEM
A device used to convert digital data analogue data in order to transmit
it over the telephone network (MODulation). It will also convert the
analogue data back into digital data when the computer is receiving data
from the telephone network (DEModulation). So together the device
MODulates and DEModulates, hence MODEM.
