It 240 Guide to Networking Essentials Chapter 2

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chapter 2

Network Hardware Essentials

After reading this chapter and completing the

exercises, you will be able to:

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Describe the basic operation of network repeaters and hubs

Explain the purpose of network switches

Summarize the operation of wireless access points

Describe the basic operation of network interface cards

Explain the function of routers

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Chapter 2

LANs, WANs, and internetworks are built with a variety of network hardware. Your

understanding of how the most common network hardware works is crucial to your success

in building reliable, high-performance networks.

This chapter begins by discussing the simplest of network devices, the hub, a device that’s

nearly obsolete but is still found in older installations. Switches have largely supplanted

hubs in networks large and small and are the main network building block today. Wireless

networking has exploded in popularity in the past several years and can be found everywhere from small home networks to coffee shops and bookstores to large corporate

networks. Wireless access points are the foundation of wireless networks, and you learn

about their operation and basic configuration later in the chapter. Network interface cards

have become such an essential component of computers that they’re now built into most

motherboards. Whether they’re built in or installed as an expansion card, however, your

understanding of NIC configuration options and properties will help you build a better network....