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Network And Media Devices

Modem

  • A modem is a device necessary for sending and receiving data, it allows computers to transfer digital information over analog lines such as phone or cable lines. 

Router

  • A router is a point of connection between two or more networks that first analyzes and afterward forwards data packets between the networks
  • So picture this as a routers function. The router (part 1) is in your home; connects networks (part 2) via ethernet or Wi-Fi to your devices (part 3).

Switch

  • A switch comes in handy when Specific devices dont wish to communicate in a Large area network. Switches add security by sending traffic directly from the sender to the receiver without other devices being aware.

Bridge

  • A bridge connects two or more networks.  Picture a bridge. Literally; between two networks; it's simple but lacks security.
  • Unlike routers; bridges simply forward the data to the next network without analysis

Repeater

  • A range extender is a form of a repeater that takes the distorted Wi-Fi signal and transmits is to the formerly dead zone.

Node

  • Computer networks are made up of cable and devices that send data back and forth.
  • A network node - is the connection point within the communication of networks. 

 Nodes are programmed or engineered to recognize, process and forward transmissions to either a redistribution point or a communication endpoint. 

Hub

The Hub is a Node.  A network Hub broadcasts data to every computer or Ethernet-based device connected to it. This means that all data packets are always forwarded to all computers during a transfer. This means that even those devices the data wasn’t intended for also receive the data.

  • Connects the router to the network
  • takes data packets from the router
  • sends them to all devices connected to the network

Types Of Cables

UTP cables

  • UTP cables are unshielded twisted pair cables. Useful because these pairs of wires are twisted around each other to protect and cancel out interference.

Coaxial Cables

  • Coaxial Cables are made of copper engineered with a metal shield to block signal interference

Fiber Cables. Singlemode Fiber Cables

Fiber cables use glass or plastic threads within cables, which are useful for high bandwidth needs.

  • Single mode fiber cables differ from multi mode because these cables are made up of one single glass or plastic fiber which carry higher bandwith for 50 times the distance of multimode.

Fiber Cables. Multimode Fiber Cables

Fiber cables use glass or plastic threads within cables, which are useful for high bandwidth needs.

  • Multimode Fiber cables are wider and diameter due to light modes being sent across the cable.
  •  Multimode fiber cables are capable of medium distances, which is 500 meters or less & used within local area networks.

Types Of Primary Connectors

There are four types of connectors: 

  • Straight Tip
  • Lucent Connector
  • Crossover Cables
  • Patch Cables

"ST" or Straight Tip

Straight tip connectors were most commonly used with multimode until 2000

"LC" or Lucent Connector

Lucent Connectors are a smaller version of the standard connector

Crossover Cable

Crossover cable connectors are used to connect computing devices together directly in the Ethernet. It is most often used to connect two devices of the same type. For example.

  • Two computers to each other. Or
  • Two switches to each other.

Patch Cables

patch cord  is an electrical or optical cable used to connect one electronic or optical device to another for signal routing. Devices of different types are connected with patch cords.

Transmission Basics

Information can be transmitted in one of two ways in a network. 

  • Analog
  • Digital

Analog Transmission

An analog signal is a continuous signal, and it is hard to distinguish each “character.”

  • Examples of analog signals include voice & analog clocks.
  • A computer uses digital signals, 0s and 1s.

Digital Transmission

With digital signals, each “character” is very distinct. 

  • A computer uses digital signals, 0s and 1s.

Transmission Direction

When discussing transmission direction, note that information can be transmitted into analog signals or digital signals. The data from networks can flow into in one of three possibilities.

  • Simplex
  • Half-duplex. Or
  • Full-Duplex

Simplex Transmission Direction

Simplex means that data can only flow in one direction, like water coming out of a faucet. You can’t send water up a faucet. 

Half Duplex Transmission Direction

Half-duplex means that data can flow in both directions but only one direction at a time. An example is a Walkie talkie.

  • You can talk on the radio and listen on the radio but only one of those things at a time. 

Full Duplex Transmission Direction

Full-duplex means that data can flow in both directions simultaneously. Think of a 4 lane highway. 

  • In a four lane highway; traffic travels in both directions at the same time.What is multiplexing?  This is called multiplexing. 

 Full-duplex allows multiplexing. 

Remember that Full-duplex means that data can flow in both directions simultaneously. 

  • Multiplexing is allowing multiple signals to travel simultaneously over a single media.