Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Network Hardware
Network connectivity requires both hardware and software. The software
portion is handled by the operating system; all modern operating systems
include network support. However, not all computers include network-
ing hardware, and some network hardware is independent of any one
computer, so you may at some point find yourself shopping for network-
ing hardware. In the following sections, you will learn about several
common network hardware devices.
Network Installer
Technicians who install networks have an active work environment.
Rather than sitting at a desk all day, as most IT professionals do,
installers are out crawling around in the attics and basements of
buildings, running cables and mounting satellite dishes. They set up
closets with stacks of switches and routers in them, configure network
security settings, and make sure all network hardware is installed
correctly and functioning well. To install networks, you should have
at least a high school diploma, plus a technical certification such
as CompTIA Network+. To learn more about Network+ certification,
see
http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/
certifications/network.aspx
.
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Network Adapters
Each network client device (computer, tablet, printer, and so on) must
have a network adapter. A
network adapter
enables the computer
to participate in the local area network. Most desktop and notebook
computers come with a wired Ethernet adapter built in, and notebook
computers almost always include a built-in wireless adapter as well.
network adapter
A hardware component that
enables a computer to connect to a network.
When a network adapter is not built into the motherboard, but instead
installed as an expansion board, it is called a
network interface card
(NIC)
. Although it is not technically accurate, the term NIC (pro-
nounced “nick”) has come to refer to any network adapter, not just
an add-on card. Most portable computers (notebooks, tablets, smart-
phones) have a Wi-Fi network adapter built in. A portable device may
also have other built-in network adapters, such as a Bluetooth adapter.
network interface card (NIC)
A network
adapter that is on an expansion card, rather than
built into the computer's motherboard. Sometimes
used informally to refer to any network adapter.
