Before you dive into the world of Networking Certifications such as CCNA, Network+, JNCIA, etc you need to understand how a computer network works. If you have ever sent a file from one PC to another, you have experienced the results of a computer network.
A network is a group of devices that communicate with each other. These devices have shared access to information such as data, network devices, and applications.
Components of a Computer Network
Personal Computers (PCs)
We’re all familiar with what a PC is, unless you’ve been living in a cave. Personal Computers (PCs) are the endpoints of a network that send and receive data.
Servers
Servers are computers that provide services to clients over a network. These services can be: Web, Mail, Database and other Applications. Servers require additional processing, memory and storage capability to handle the load of servicing clients.
Network Interface Cards (NIC)
Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware interface that allows PCs and Servers to connect to a wired network. These can be expansion cards that plug into a PCI or PCI express bus. In newer computers they have a Network Interface built into the motherboard.
Wireless NIC
Wireless NIC is a hardware interface that allows PCs and Laptops to access radio-based networks. It is usually connected in the PCI bus of the PC. Other connectivity options are through USB or PCMCIA.
Cables
Cables are the medium for the data to travel from one network device to another in a wired network. This can be an Ethernet or Fiber Optic cable.
Switch
A Switch is a network device with many ports for PCs, printers and servers to plug in to. It serves as a controller, enabling endpoints to talk to each other in Local Area Network.
Wireless Access point
Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a network device that allows wireless clients to connect to the network without running wires. It acts as a central transmitter and receiver of radio signals.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A Local Area Network is designed to link endpoints and other network devices in a small geographical area.
Router
A Router is a network device that connects your LAN to other networks. The job of the router is to route and forward information.
Wide Area Network
A Wide Area Network covers a large geographical area. A WAN allows to link LANs together.
Internet
The Internet, in simple terms, is a public WAN. It is also called “The network of networks”.
