Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Networking, Fourth Edition

Chapter 3. Networking Hardware

In this chapter

• Working with network interface cards

• Selecting and installing a NIC

• Using hubs and internetworking devices

• Working with PC motherboards

• Understanding processors and PC RAM

• Working with hard drives

• Differentiating server and client hardware

Now that we’ve discussed the different kinds of networks and looked at network topologies, we should spend some time discussing the hardware involved in networking. This chapter will concentrate on the connectivity devices that define the network topology—the most important being the network interface card. We will also take a look at hubs, routers, and switches.

Another important aspect of building your network is selecting the hardware for your client PCs and your network ...