WHAT ARE THE OTHER NETWORK DEVICES?

                          OTHER NETWORK DEVICES

"Aside from the three common communication devices, there are also other devices that help connect through the network."

networking has many components that make it work more efficiently. Devices, when combined, will enable a faster transmission of data. here are the other devices that make up a network.

THE BRIDGE

The bridge is used to divide larger networks into smaller sections. It is also located between two physical network segments and manages the flow of data between the two. By looking at the physical address of the devices connected to each segment, bridges can forward the data if the destination address is on another interface, or block it from crossing if verified that it is on the interface from which it came.

THERE ALSO DIFFERENT TYPES OF BRIDGE

Transparent Bridge - derives its name from the fact that the devices on the network are unaware of its existence. a transparent bridge does nothing except black or forward data based on the mac address.

Source Route Bridge - is used in token ring networks. the source route bridge derives its name from the fact that the entire path to be taken by the packet through the network is embedded within the packet.

Translational Bridge - is used to convert one network data format to another for example from the token ring to ethernet and vice versa.

THE NETWORK CARD

It is also called the Network Interface Card, is a device that enables computers to connect to the network.

To install or configure a network interface, you will need drivers of the device. You might also need to configure it, although many devices are now plug and play. Most network cards are now software configured. Many of these so
ftware configuration utilities also include testing capabilities. The drivers and software configuration utilities supplied with the cards are often not the latest available, so it is best practice to log on the Internet and download the latest drivers and associated software.

THE MODEM

a short for modulator or demodulator, is a device that converts the digital signals generated by a computer into analog signals that can travel over conventional phone lines.

The modem converts the signal back at the receiving end it converts it into a format the computer can understand.

 a modem can be used as a means to connect to an ISP, or as a mechanism for dialing up to a LAN. a modem can also be internal ad in expansion cards or external devices that connect to the serial or USB port of a system. it can also be PCMCIA cards designed for use in laptops or proprietary devices design for use on other devices such as portables and handhelds.

THE TRANSCEIVER

The transceiver is responsible for placing signals onto the network media and detecting incoming signals traveling through the same wire.

The term transceiver does describe a separate network device, but it can also be technology built and embedded in devices such as network cards and modems. In a network environment a transceiver gets its name from being both a transmitter and a receiver of signals does the name transceivers.

It is logical that the technology would found in network cards. Although transceivers are found in network cards, they can be external devices as well. In terms of network transceivers can be shipped as a model or chip type.

CHIP TRANSCEIVER are small and are inserted into a system board or wire directly on a circuit board. MODULE TRANSCEIVER are external to the network and are installed and function similar to other computer peripherals or they can also function as a stand alone devices. 

Several types of the transceivers are RF transceivers, fiber optic transceivers, Ethernet transceivers wireless (WAP) transceivers and more. Each of these media types are different though the function of the transceiver remains the same. Each type of the transceiver used has different characteristics, such as the number of ports available to connect to the network and whether it function as a full duplex communication if supported.

THE FIREWALL

It is a networking device that can be either hardware or software-based. It controls access to your organization's network. This controlled access is designed to protect data and sources from outside the threat. 

A typical firewall is placed at entry or exit points of the network. For example placing a firewall between an internal network and the internet. when in place it control access in and out of that point. The firewall is configured on the server to allow or permit certain type of network traffic. In a small offices and in regular home use a firewall is commonly installed on the local system and configure to control traffic.

Hardware firewalls are used in networks of all sizes today. Hardware firewalls are often dedicated network devices that can be implemented with very little configuration and protect all system behind the firewall from outside sources. Hardware firewalls are readily available and often combined with other devices today. For example, many broadband routers and wireless access points have built-in firewall functionally in such case the router or WAP might have a number of ports available to plug system into.