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In a network, the computers need to be able to connect
to each other physically. Therefore, another important
network property is how the computers connect to each
other, either directly or through a central device.
ONE-ON-ONE WIRED NETWORK
also known as: Direct connection network (max. two PCs)
Note: Use a crossover Ethernet cable to connect two computers
directly to each other.
WIRED NETWORK WITH MORE THAN
TWO PCs
Use a hub or switch to connect more than two PCs to
each other.
Note: Use straight-through Ethernet cables to connect the
computers to the central device (hub/switch).
HOW TO INTERCONNECT WIRED
NETWORKS
Use a gateway router to connect one network to another
(e.g. to the Internet, also known as WAN).
ONE-ON-ONE WIRELESS NETWORK
also known as: ad-hoc / peer-to-peer
WIRELESS NETWORK WITH MORE
THAN TWO PCs
The wireless medium forms a hub in and of itself.
No hardware hub is needed.
Note: For very small networks only.
BRIDGING WIRELESS NETWORKS TO
THE INTERNET
(e.g. the Internet, also known as WAN) also known as:
infrastructure / access point. Use a wireless access point
or base station.
Central devices, like a hub, switch, router or wireless base
station may be stand-alone devices or built into a computer.
•Ahub has multiple ports and serves as a central
connection point for communication lines from all
computers on a wired network. It copies all data
arriving at one port to the other ports. A switch is
similar to a hub, but is able to handle different network
speeds at each port.
• Gateway routers and wireless base stations route
network traffic from one network to another (e.g. from
a wired network to the Internet, or from a wireless
network to a wired network or to the Internet).
Important: Wired and Wireless components may be
linked together to provide a variety of network layouts/
topologies.
INTERNET
INTERNET
What you need to know about networks
23iF9946_12_StDFU_ENG.p65 8/31/04, 4:30 PM32