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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 (max. 2 PCs)
NOTE: Use a crossover Ethernet cable to connect two computers directly to each
other.
WIRED NETWORK WITH MORE THAN 2 PCs
Use a hub or switch to connect more than 2 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 2 PCs
Also known as: Ad Hoc / Peer-to-Peer
The wireless medium forms a hub in and of itself. No hardware hub is needed.
CONNECTING WIRELESS TO WIRED NETWORKS
also known as: Infrastructure / Access Point
Use a wireless base station.
Central devices, like a hub, switch, router or wireless access point may be stand-
alone devices or built into a computer.
•A hub 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 access points 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).