- Modem (Internal and external)
external modem
internal modem
A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information.
- Access account
example of internet access provider- Each Internet computer, called a host, is independent.
- Its operators can choose which Internet services to use and which local services to make available to the global Internet community.
- Remarkably, this anarchy by design works exceedingly well. There are a variety of ways to access the Internet.
- Most online services, such as TMNet offer access to some Internet services. It is also possible to gain access through a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- Network Interface Card (NIC)
- Often abbreviated as NIC, an expansion board you insert into a computer so the computer can be connected to a network.
- Most NICs are designed for a particular type of network, protocol, and media, although some can serve multiple networks.
- Wireless network interface card
- An expansion board you insert into a computer so the computer can be connected to a network.
- Most NICs are designed for a particular type of network, protocol, and media, although some can serve multiple networks.
- Hub/Swicth
- Hub or switch is a common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are commonly used to connect segments of a LAN.
- A hub is the central part of a wheel where the spokes come together. The term is familiar to frequent fliers who travel through airport "hubs" to make connecting flights from one point to another.
- In data communications, a hub is a place of convergence where data arrives from one or more directions and is forwarded out in one or more other directions.
- A hub usually includes a switch of some kind. (And a product that is called a "switch" could usually be considered a hub as well.)
- The distinction seems to be that the hub is the place where data comes together and the switch is what determines how and where data is forwarded from the place where data comes together. Regarded in its switching aspects, a hub can also include a router.
- Router
- A router is a communications device that connects multiple computers or other routers together and transmits data to the correct destination.
- A Router is a device that connects two networks - frequently over large distances. It understands one or more network protocols, such as IP or IPX. A Router accepts packets on at least two network interfaces, and forwards packets from one interface to another.
- Router's may be programmed to filter out some packets, and to dynamically change the route by which packets are routed.
- Router's often use different media on each interface. For instance, a router might have one Ethernet port and one ISDN port.
- Wireless access point
- Wireless access points (APs or WAPs) are specially configured nodes on wireless local area networks (WLANs). Access points act as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals.
- Access points used in home or small business networks are generally small, dedicated hardware devices featuring a built-in network adapter, antenna, and radio transmitter. Access points support Wi-Fi wireless communication standards.
