Area Networks

Networks can be categorized in several different ways. One approach defines the type of network according to the geographic area it spans. Local area networks (LANs), for example, typically reach across a single home, or office whereas wide area networks (WANs), reach across cities, states, or even across the world. The Internet is the world's largest public WAN.

Network Hardware Components / Parts

A wide range of these hardware components, computer laptops etc are also available in our  Online-Shop

Modem – This is a device that connects the computer to the internet. Some cellphones can act as modems to connect an entire network in an office to the internet. 
Router/Switch – A device that connects computers, printers, etc together.  Even though these 2 devices can have a similar function , a router can  have advanced features like those of  a big corporation ie. :

1. It can act as a firewall that blocks or allows traffic to your network
2. It can share the internet connection amongst the computers on your network and even connect to  the internet independently.
3. It can create a virtual private network (VPN) or tunnel on the internet so that you can access your office computers remotely(from anywhere) as long as you have an internet connection.
4. It can filter the websites that you do not want available during certain hours on your network.  

NB: Most routers for the home or small office are bundled with a modem/ switch/ firewall/ Access Point / as one device just check with your retailer before making an over the counter purchase

Access point – A device that connects the local area network(LAN) to a wireless network(WLAN) for laptops and printers to connect wirelessly  to one another on the same network
CAT5 / RJ45 cable – a cable that connects the hardware and computers physically to one another through a switch or a router on a network.
Network Interface Card (NIC) - this is a device installed on a computer to enable it to connect to a physical (LAN) or wireless (WLAN)network.