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Networking hardware includes signal managers, cables, adapters, interface units, and data centers. Signal handlers move signals along the network, while cables provide connections. Adapters and interface units enable technology to work together. Data centers are the heart of networking hardware and include specialized servers, firewalls, storage centers, and management tools. Proper hardware design and management are critical for system performance and support.
There are five different types of network hardware: signal managers, cables, adapters, interface units, and data centers. Networking hardware is a generic term for the physical devices and units required to create a computer network. A computer network is a system of multiple computers that are interconnected in order to create efficiencies and maximize resources.
Signal handlers are a broad category of network hardware. This type of equipment includes routers, switches, hubs and gateways. The purpose of this equipment is to move the signals along the network to the correct position.
Information is transmitted across a network using information packets. The packet header provides the recipient’s address, among other information. The signal handlers read the header and move the packet to the nearest stop in the network. As it moves, the header information is read again and the packet is routed to the next location, until it reaches its final destination.
Cables provide connections between signal carriers. They are available in a variety of sizes, thicknesses and colors. Up to 25% of all network problems are related to cables.
The cables used to create a network are low priority items. The ethernet cables connecting individual workstations to a network backbone can run for miles, and it’s tempting to buy the cheapest cable available. Keep in mind how far you would have to go and the total cost to fix and replace this type of cable. Invest wisely in the original setup to avoid excessive costs later.
Adapters are used to enable technology to work together, regardless of manufacturer. These drives are central to your networking hardware and are often where cables connect. Interface units perform a similar function, but on a larger scale. Instead of connecting cables, they create bridges between dissimilar hardware.
Data centers are the heart of all networking hardware. This technology includes specialized servers, firewalls, storage centers and management tools. All network hardware is designed to maximize effective use of these tools to provide resources to large numbers of users.
The infrastructure and software used to manage data centers play an important role in the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the network. The size, breadth and depth of the application, users and infrastructure are critical to the required system performance and support. Special attention to hardware design and management should be part of any implementation project.
