hardware - the physical components of a computer, including processor and memory chips, input/ouput devices, taps, disks, modems and cables.
network - (1) a system of interconnected computers that communicate with one another and share applications, data and hardware components. (2) the act of connecting computers together in order to permit the transfer of data and programs between users.

Answered by Nishu's , an ibibo Master, at 5:08 PM on October 12, 2008

Networking hardware includes all computers, peripherals, interface cards and other equipment needed to perform data-processing and communications within the network. CLICK on the terms below to learn more about those pieces of networking hardware.

This section provides information on the following components:

* File Servers
* Workstations
* Network Interface Cards
* Switches
* Repeaters
* Bridges
* Routers

File Servers

A file server stands at the heart of most networks. It is a very fast computer with a large amount of RAM and storage space, along with a fast network interface card. The network operating system software resides on this computer, along with any software applications and data files that need to be shared.

The file server controls the communication of information between the nodes on a network. For example, it may be asked to send a word processor program to one workstation, receive a database file from another workstation, and store an e-mail message during the same time period. This requires a computer that can store a lot of information and share it very quickly. File servers should have at least the following characteristics:

* 800 megahertz or faster microprocessor (Pentium 3 or 4, G4 or G5)
* A fast hard drive with at least 120 gigabytes of storage
* A RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) to preserve data after a disk casualty
* A tape back-up unit (i.e. DAT, JAZ, Zip, or CD-RW drive)
* Numerous expansion slots
* Fast network interface card
* At least of 512 MB of RAM

Workstations

All of the user computers connected to a network are called workstations. A typical workstation is a computer that is configured with a network interface card, networking software, and the appropriate cables. Workstations do not necessarily need floppy disk drives because files can be saved on the file server. Almost any computer can serve as a network workstation.
Network Interface Cards

The network interface card (NIC) provides the physical connection between the network and the computer workstation. Most NICs are internal, with the card fitting into an expansion slot inside the computer. Some computers, such as Mac Classics, use external boxes which are attached to a serial port or a SCSI port. Laptop computers can now be purchased with a network interface card built-in or with network cards that slip into a PCMCIA slot.

Network interface cards are a major factor in determining the speed and performance of a network. It is a good idea to use the fastest network card available for the type of workstation you are using.

The three most common network interface connections are Ethernet cards, LocalTalk connectors, and Token Ring cards. According to a International Data Corporation study, Ethernet is the most popular, followed by Token Ring and LocalTalk (Sant'Angelo, R. (1995). NetWare Unleashed, Indianapolis, IN: Sams Publishing).

for details,please visit:
http://fcit.usf.edu/NETWORK /chap3/chap3.htm

Answered by jaivir , an ibibo Master, at 10:58 AM on October 12, 2008

well,Networking hardware typically refers to equipment facilitating the use of a computer network. Typically, this includes routers, switches, hubs, gateways, access points, network interface cards, network bridges, modems, ISDN adapters, firewalls and other related hardware.

The most common kind of networking hardware today is copper-based Ethernet adapters, helped largely by its standard inclusion on most modern computer systems. Wireless networking has become increasingly popular, however, especially for portable and handheld devices.

Other hardware prevalent within computer networking is datacenter equipment (such as file servers, database servers and storage areas), network services (such as DNS, DHCP, email etc) as well as other specific network devices such as content delivery.

Other diverse devices which may be considered Networking hardware include mobile phones, PDAs and even modern coffee machines. As technology grows and IP-based networks are integrated into building infrastructure and household utilities, network hardware becomes an ambiguous statement owing to the increasing number of 'network capable' endpoints.

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 9:05 PM on October 11, 2008

what in this field.

Answered by Manu Dhiman , an ibibo Citizen, at 8:50 PM on October 11, 2008

Well, your question is a bit confusing.

I assume you want to know about hardware and networking course.

Networking hardware typically refers to equipment facilitating the use of a computer network. Typically, this includes routers, switches, hubs, gateways, access points, network interface cards, network bridges, modems, ISDN adapters, firewalls and other related hardware.

The most common kind of networking hardware today is copper-based Ethernet adapters, helped largely by its standard inclusion on most modern computer systems. Wireless networking has become increasingly popular, however, especially for portable and handheld devices.

Other hardware prevalent within computer networking is datacenter equipment (such as file servers, database servers and storage areas), network services (such as DNS, DHCP, email etc) as well as other specific network devices such as content delivery.

If you are interested in networking, my first suggestion would be to do some good professional networking course.

The best one is CCNA and CCNP.

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate ): The Cisco CCNA network associate certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. This new curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This new curriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2),VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs)

The CCNP certification (Cisco Certified Network Professional) indicates advanced knowledge of networks. With a CCNP, a network professional can install, configure, and troubleshoot local and wide area networks for enterprise organizations with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes.

For more information, Please visit the source site:

http://www.course.com/careers/g lossary/certification.cfm

Answered by Alok Gupta , an ibibo Guru, at 8:09 PM on October 11, 2008

Hi Mari

The physical components of a computer system consist of "hardware" and "software" and in that context, "hardware" consists of the computer, input and output devices and other peripheral equipment such as CPU, disks, tapes, modem, cables, etc. Hardware also includes the monitor computer case, mouse, keyboard and printer.

Networking is the practice of linking two or more computing devices together for the purpose of sharing data. Networks are built with a mix of computer hardware and computer software. In simpler terms Networking is a physical media connection between two communications devices.

Thanks n regards

Suparn@

Answered by Suparna , an ibibo Master, at 8:06 PM on October 11, 2008