Physical Components of a Network

A network is a collection of interconnected devices and end systems such as computers, servers etc which can communicate with each other. Networks can be found in different types of environments such as home, small office or large enterprises. Every network is composed of a few essential components which are described here.
There are five categories of physical components commonly found in a computer network. They include the following.

• PC's : They are the devices which act as the end points in a network. They are responsible for sending and receiving data. They also include servers.
• Interconnections : It consist of components which acts as the means to transfer data from one point to another in a network. It includes:
• Network Interface Cards : It translates data into a format that can be transferred over a network.
• Network Media : They consist of cables or wireless media which provides means for signals to be transmitted.
• Connectors : It provides connection points for the media.
• Switches : The end systems are usually connected to switches which facilitates intelligent switching of data within a local network.
• Routers : They are used to connect different networks together. They are responsible for choosing the best path for data transfer between two networks.
• WLAN Devices : Wireless LAN or WLAN devices connect network devices like computers and other endpoints to the network without cables. It requires an endpoint with WLAN NIC and an access point physically connected to a network.

These forms the most common components in any network. There are a large number of other devices/components which are used to enhance the performance of a network. Details of  those devices would be better in another post.