Hubs and switches

Hub: A Hub is a very basic networking device that links multiple computers together.
Unlike a router or switch the hub has no networking tables or Intelligence so the
network data is spread across all connections. They can detect basic errors such as
collisions. Given they dont have great error detection; they are a higher security risk
in comparison but are much cheaper than switches or router.
Switches: A Switch is a hardware device used to filter and transfer packets through a
network. However it isnt capable of much more. Its more advanced than a hub but
not as advanced as a router. The switch can be toggled to allow the flow of data or
to stop it. When multiple computers are linked to a switch the data can be toggled for
singular computers or multiple computers.

Routers
A router is a hardware device used to control packets. It can convert, drop, move
and direct packets across a network and perform a number of other actions. Routers
are much more capable than switches or hubs. They can analyse the data being
sent through it and can control the data flow through a network. Its often used over
networks and can change how the data is packed to be sent to another network.
Commonly used for home networks to assist in the management of the computers in
that network.

Modem
A modem is a hardware device used to send and receive data over telephone line.
Once data hits the modem it is either converted into a digital signal (to be sent over
network) or an analogue signal (to be sent to the outside). When data is sent to your
IP when it hits your modem its converted to a digital signal that your computer can
read. When your computer sends data to an outside location (not in its network) the
data will be converted to an analogue form when the data reaches the modem, to be
sent to that location.

Bridge
A bridge is a network connection that connects two LANs (Local-Area-Network) that
are on the same protocol. They forward packets without analysing and re-routing
messages. Unlike a gateway or router it is protocol dependant.

Gateway
A gateway is similar to a bridge but unlike in that the data doesnt have to be the
same protocol. The protocols can be different. A gateway is a network connection
that connects two LANs (Local-Area-Network) that are on different protocols. A
gateway isnt only used in LANs its also used as an entry point for another network.
IP dresses are used as gateways.

Network Interface Cards (NIC)

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a network card that allows a computer to be
connected through the internet via Ethernet. Mostly an internal piece of hardware the
card enables an Ethernet cable to be plugged in enabling the computer to access
the network (internet if available). A NIC can also come in an external form that can
be plugged into a USB port on the computer. The NIC cards can be used for
wireless purposes as well. The card can be enabled for a wireless connection, being
plugged into the computer it allows the computer to access that wireless connection.

Backbones
A Backbone is a large piece of network that is used to connect large networks or
companies together. They are large chunks of network that can transfer large pieces
of data. They travel across countries and are a main source of data transfer. Without
backbones data would take much longer to get to its required destination and would
need to pass through many other networks and routers.

Cables
There are two main types of computer cables. A data cable and a power cable: a
data cable is used to connect two devices. A power cable is used to power a device.
An example of a data cable would be the display cable used to connect your
computer to your monitor enabling one to display information.

Wireless access points

Wireless Access Points: A wireless access point is the location of a wireless
receiver enabling a user to access a network or the internet. Wireless access points
are also referred to as base station, wireless router, access point.

Bluetooth devices
A Bluetooth device is a device that uses Bluetooth. Many devices use it and its a
way for the devices to communicate wirelessly. Bluetooth is an RF technology that
operates at 2.4 GHz and has an effective range of 32 feet. Connectivity varies on the
power of the device and year of the Bluetooth technology in the device.