Wireless Network Components
There are many components when you are dealing with building computer networks. Some of these components are wireless and some require wires to operate. On that same note, some also require other components to allow them to operate and some do not.
The first component to be discussed will be a wireless router. A wireless router is similar to a normal router and functions as a normal router. A wireless router provides an access point for wireless computers and networks to connect to the network where the router is connected to. It can be used with or without a wired network connection and also depends on some type of modem or other computer to operate correctly. A wireless router can cost as low as $20. The network component is computer. A computer can come in many different forms such as a Mac, PC, and handheld PCs such as Palm Pilots and PDA’s (Tiger Direct, 2008). This is the component that is networked to one another in order to print, share, and transfer data. A computer can connect to a network with or without a wired connection. A computer can also connect wireless. This all depends on what type of network interface card the computer holds. A computer can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred of dollars to thousands of dollars. Also it depends on what the computer is capable of and the strengths of the computer.
The next component is a firewall. This inspects incoming and outgoing traffic within a network and asks the user of the network for permission for the access. This is a type of security software that is very helpful for the security and safety of a computer network. This can also be a physical device that is connected within the network. This type of device depends on other components within the network such as a computer to operate correctly. A firewall can cost anywhere from $0 to a couple of thousand of dollars depending on your choice.
The next component is a wireless access point or WAP. This is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to the network wireless. This type of device depends on some type of component such as a computer or cable modem to connect to. A WAP can cost anywhere from $20 up to a few hundred dollars depending on your choice of product.
The next component is a Hub. A hub is used to connect many networks or Ethernet devices together. This device depends on other devices in order for the connection to be made between all of the devices. This type of device can cost anywhere from $15.00 to a few hundred of dollars.
The next component is a modem. A modem allows the computers on the network and other devices on the network to gain access to the internet. This is an optional device within a network because a modem is used to dial up to the internet so to speak. If the network is offline then it would not need a modem because it would not need to connect to the internet since it would be unavailable. This type of device depends on other devices such as a computer in order to be functional. A modem such as a cable modem can operate without other devices but is basically useless without other devices connected to it. This type of device can cost anywhere from $5.00 up to $300.00. This device can connect to the network with a wired connection or wirelessly with help from another device such as a router or hub.
The next device is a printer. This device is used to print information from the computers on the network. This device depends on other devices within the network in order to operate. This device can be wireless or used with wires. A printer can cost anywhere from $20.00 up to a $700 or $800 dollars.
The next device is a server. A server is the main computer so to speak within a network. A server is the main access point for the network. This type of component is most of the time on a wired connection but can also be run wirelessly. This device can run on a standalone basis but doing so would defeat the purpose. This device can cost anywhere from $300-$400 up to many of thousands of dollars depending on your networking needs.
The next device is a wireless network interface card. This is the device used to connect a computer or device to the network wirelessly. This device also depends on another device to operate. A wireless network interface card can cost anywhere from $10 up to $120 dollars.
The next device is a router. A router is used to connect multiple computers to each other within a network. This device depends on other devices to operate correctly. A router can cost anywhere from $20 up to $3,000. A router uses a wired connection.
The next component is a scanner. A scanner is a device to scan images, inventory bar codes, and films and scan documents to a computer. This device is usually isn’t a standalone product and depends on other computers to operate. This product can cost anywhere from $100 up to several thousands of dollars.
Lastly, a Multiplexer is a device that takes one input signals and sends it to multiple output signals. This type of device can run wirelessly. The approximate price for this type of device is $69.99. This type of device depends on other devices to operate correctly.
