This was my piece of writing based on the software and hardware components of a network. Any feedback welcome!
Hardware and Software components in a network.
When we talk about networks there is
obviously a crucial step in creating and maintaining the networks which
involves hardware and software. Hardware are a range of electronic devices that
can be connected in a way to allow the transmission of signals between
different workstations. These devices range from simple hubs to a lot more
advanced and sophisticated hardware such as routers and gateways.
Network interface cards (NIC) are the most
common type of network hardware on a network. Every workstation and server
should contain at least one Network Interface Card. Mostly because they contain
the electronic components that establish and control the network
communications. It is the principle hardware device that differentiates a
stand-alone computer and a computer connected to a network.
Hubs are one of the more basic of networking equipment available, tending to come in standard 10mbps to Fast Ethernet 100mbps versions. A hub is just a box with a number of ports ranging from 4 to 32, that allows you to connect several networking devices using twisted pair network cables. Although Hubs have no real intelligence; meaning that they can't be programmed or have a memory of devices plugged into its ports. They tend to be used for smaller networks due to performing quite poorly with larger ones.
Switches are very similar to Hubs in the way
they look but a switch has a lot more intelligence. With this intelligence they
are able to inspect data packets as they are received, determining the source
and destination device of that packet, then forwarding it appropriately. By
delivering messages only to the connected device that it was intended for,
network switches conserve bandwidth and offer a better performance than hubs.
Most Switches are active; meaning they electrically amplify the signal as it
moves from one device to another.
Bridges are devices that let you split a
larger network into two smaller networks so they work more efficiently. Or a
Bridge can be used to connect an older wiring scheme to a new network so that
its up to date. They also manage the traffic between networks so both networks
work at an optimum performance. Bridges can be used to connect different types
of cabling, presuming the two networks are using the same protocol.
Routers translate information from one
network to another. It is similar to a bridge but has extra intelligence. They
select the best to route a message based on the destination address and origin.
It can also direct traffic to ensure there are no head on collisions, and is
smart enough to figure out when to
direct traffic to a more efficient shortcut. While bridges know the
addresses of all computers on each side of the network, routers know the
addresses of computers, bridges and other routers on the network.
Gateways have the ability to connect
networks that use completely different protocols or data formats, such as a LAN
to a mainframe. Generally a gateway is a combination of hardware and software
with the built in processing power to perform protocol conversions. Although
with all this means that the gateway is slower than a bridge or router.
Network software, which
operates over a network rather than on an individual computer, may perform
tasks that supplement, enable or replace end-user software. Network-based
antivirus software supplements desktop antivirus software. Network messaging
server software enables end-user computers to send instant messages back and
forth and server application software, such as Customer Relationship Management
software replaces end-user contact management software. All network software
shares the common goal of increasing productivity and improving security for
network users.
Network-based versions
of desktop software exist for many software types, with the greatest number of
varieties concentrated in areas such as communications and security. Network
software for communications includes email, instant message, teleconferencing
and video conferencing applications. Network software for security includes
antivirus, spam filtering, firewall and data-access management applications.
Although they are less common, network software versions of office productivity
tools such as spread sheets and word processors are beginning to increase
rapidly in number.
The terms "network
software" and "networking software" are often used in place of
each other. Networking software most often refers to the software that enables
networking. Novell and Microsoft, for example are two widely known developers
of networking software. Network software on the other hand is software that
operates once the network is already enabled.
The types and uses of
network software can evolve as wireless networking technology becomes more
widely available. Without the restrictions imposed by the need for cabled
connections such as Ethernet, network coverage can widen rapidly, allowing more
and more users to access networks where cabled networks were previously
unavailable.
