Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
network connection point, which is usually the network's router (discussed next), but
it could also be a switch, hub, or even another Mac. Information, shared files, and
other network data travel through the network cables.
Router
A
router
is a central connection point for all the computers on the wired portion of
the network. For each computer, you run a network cable from one of the Mac Pro's
network ports to a port in the router. When network data travels from computer A to
computer B, it first goes out through computer A's network port, along its network
cable, and into the router. Then the router passes the data along computer B's net-
work cable and into its network port.
Wireless Networking
Wireless Connections
A
wireless network
is a collection of two or more computers that communicate with
one another using radio signals instead of cable. The most common wireless tech-
nology is Wi-Fi (rhymes with hi-fi) or 802.11. Each of the five main types (802.11a,
802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac) has its own range and speed limits. The
other common wireless technology is Bluetooth, which enables devices to commu-
nicate directly with one another.
