( 3) LAN components The network equipment required to build a LAN are summarized below.
Equipment
Characteristics
LAN board An expansion board for connecting a personal computer to a LAN. Also referred to as a“ LAN adapter” or“ NIC( Network Interface Card).” The LAN and personal computer must support the same standard.
Transceiver A piece of equipment used to connect the LAN board installed on a personal computer to a coaxial cable for LANs that support the 10BASE5 standard. The transceiver provides functions such as sending and receiving between the personal computer and coaxial cable, and transmitting collision detection to the personal computer.
Hub
A line concentration device used for LANs with a star topology. Many hubs provide a repeater function. These are also called a“ repeater hub.”
Cable Provides a connection for computers and equipment that connect to a LAN.
●Types of cables Cables are required in order to connect computers and equipment that connect to a LAN. Several types of cables are summarized below.
Cable
Coaxial cable
Twisted pair cable
Fiber optic cable
Characteristics
Comprised of a copper core surrounded by an insulating layer, which is in turn wrapped in a copper layer woven from fi ne copper wire. The cable is resistant to external noise. The diameter of the cable ranges from 10mm standard coaxial cable to 5mm thin coaxial cable.
Comprised of several pairs of wires with copper cores. The cable is thin and fl exible, which makes it easy to handle.
Comprised of quartz glass or plastic fi bers, which makes the cable thin and lightweight. Can transmit signals with almost no deterioration or attenuation of data, and is not affected by electromagnetic waves. Uses light to transmit data instead of electrical signals. Supports a wide range of transmission speeds from 10Mbps to 1000Mpbs.
Reference
NIC Abbreviation for“ Network Interface Card.”
Reference
Crossover cable A twisted pair“ crossover cable” is a cable that contains signal wires for input and output which cross over inside.
Chapter 9
Technology element
10BASE 5
Terminator Transceiver
Coaxial cable
AUI cable |
LAN board |
LAN board
Can also connect using 10BASE-T
|
Hub
LAN board
|
Reference
AUI cable An“ AUI cable,” also called a“ transceiver cable,” provides a connection between a transceiver and LAN board or hub. Abbreviation for“ Attachment Unit Interface.”
|
264