Index1. What are Network Devices

2. Network Interface Card (NIC)

3. Modem

4. Repeater

5. Hub

6. Switch

7. Gateway

Network devices are components used to connect computers or other electronic devices together so that they can share files or resources like printers or fax machines. Devices used to setup a Local Area Network(LAN) are the most common type of network devices used by the public. A LAN requires a hub, switch, router.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A network interface card is an expansion card that connects to the motherboard and enables the computer to connect to a network such as a home network or the internet using an R.J. ( Registered Jack) 45 connector. It acts as an interface between a computer and the network.

Modem is a device which converts the computer-generated digital signals of a computer into analog signals to enable their travelling via phone lines. It is made up of 2 words Modulation and Demodulation

• Modulation: Conversion of digital data to analog data• Demodulation: Conversion of analog data to digital data

RepeaterIf the distance between 2 connected computer or communicat – ing devices is more than a limit, then data distortion may happen and complete data signal may not reach the destination. A repeater is a device which helps to prevent signal distortion, It receives the signals, amplifies them and then retransmits them

HubA hub is also known as a multiport repeater. It is used to connect multiple computers or communicating devices, but it has limitations. A hub is not an intelligent network device. It may not be able to filter network traffic and it will send the received data packet to all the connected nodes irrespective of its real destination.

SwitchA switch is just like a hub and is also used to connect multiple computers or communicating devices. It is an intelligent network device because it can filter network traffic. So it will not send the received data packet to all the connected node and only to its real destination

GatewayA gateway can be understood as an entry point through which one network can be connected to another network. Like an ISP (Internet Service Provider) which connects a general user to the internet.