NIC
An expansion card in your computer/ laptop/ phone that allows you to connect to a network (either wired or wireless). It is a simple chip functions through a computer interface.
Cables and Backbones
Provides physical connections between network infrastructures. In a sense it provides information an express route to where its trying to go.
Backbones connect ‘busy’ nodes
Repeaters, Hubs, Switches and Routers
- Hub– A multi-directional (or multi-port) repeater. Like a loud speaker. E.g. a missing child at the shops
- Switch– a hub which can control it’s direction (i.e. target a specific person)
- Repeaters- are used in transmission systems to regenerate analog or digital signals distorted by transmission loss.
- Signal Strength (electricity signals)
- Not simply an Amplifier (due to interference)
- Reads/ interprets/ resends
Bridges and Gateways
Bridges: Joins two or more networks (e.g. connecting North Sydney Senior campus with Northbridge Prep campus).Needs to have the same protocol.
Gateways:
Joins two or more networks (e.g. connecting North Sydney Senior campus with Northbridge Prep campus). Allows for different protocols.
WAP
Joins two or more networks (without wires). Allows for different protocols.
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