Making+a+network

Networking Hardware ** Hub ** A hub is the center of the network. The hub sends all the information sent to the devices that are connected to the network. This is not very secure because all information is sent to all computers. media type="custom" key="8068022"

** Switch ** The switch is like a hub but is more secure because files can be sent to only a few computers on the network.

** Router ** A router also acts as the center of the network. It is wireless so no network cables are needed but it is no as secure because it is wireless and can be accessed by hackers easily. A router is different to a switch or a hub because it connects you to a wide area network like the internet. media type="custom" key="8068026" 

** Networking Cables ** Networking cables are used to link the computers and the networking hardware together.

** Network Interface Card ** This is used so a network cable can be plugged in to the computer and it can join a wireless network. Some computers have this already mounted onto their motherboards.

** ISP (internet service provider) ** An ISP (internet service provider) is a company that provides its subscribers with internet access. The subscribers either have to pay the company monthly or yearly. It can provide a dial-up service, cable, DSL, or other types of Internet access. There are local and National ISPs. A national ISP will provide access throughout the nation, while a local ISP will only serve subscribers in a limited region.

** Bridges ** A bridge is a product that connects two networks (LAN) together that uses the same protocol. It decides whether a massage from you to someone else is going to the local network in your building or to someone else on the network in the building across the street. A bridge links independent parts of a LAN so that they act as if it was one LAN.

** Proxy Server **

A server that acts as an intermediary for requests from seeking resources from other servers.

· To speed up access to resources

** Connecting to Internet **

Connecting to the Internet is to find an Internet service provider (ISP). The most important services an ISP offers are: Internet access E-mail

For home internet access, common Internet connection types are: Cable modems DSL Dial-up Satelite