Overview
Networking hardware is equipment that allows a
computer to connect to another computer or computer network. Any
electronic equipment that facilitates the use of a computer network can
be considered networking hardware.
Networking hardware includes routers, switches, bridges, repeaters,
network interface cards, and other pieces of equipment used to connect
workstations to a server. They can also include a diverse range of
modern electronic devices like Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), mobile
phones, and gaming consoles. Companies that sell computers, servers,
and other computer equipment usually make networking hardware as well.How It Works
There are different types of networking - such as Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - that differ based on the extent of the area it's intended to cover. In a business, for instance, every department has its own network for data transfer, data retrieval, and electronic communication. Each computer in a department is also connected to other computers in the department through a network, which in turn may be connected to other networks belonging to other departments. Routers help transfer data or messages from one computer to another, and network firewalls act as security for the entire network, safeguarding valuable information and keeping hackers out.Benefits
Computers in an office need a broadband connection to access the Internet. This can be done in a variety of ways, but all of them involve the use of networking hardware. A computer that has a wireless connection card installed can be connected to the Internet using a wireless router. This is a huge benefit because it allows a computer to be moved anywhere in the office without losing its internet connection.A regular router can also be used to connect other hardware like printers and scanners. Networking hardware can connect all the workstations in a business to a central file server that allows everyone to access the same information. This is a great benefit because it allows all employees of a company to access all the information they require to do their job efficiently.