Network Components needed for various types of Networks

The purpose of compiling and publishing this article was to provide a list of network components that are necessary for a variety of different kinds of networks.

Following that, this article includes a network comparison chart and a table containing the transmission speed of various types of cables. Finally, this article includes a section in which we will learn which type of transmission medium is used when.

Building a small LAN

In order to construct a local area network (LAN), we will need the following network components:

For Connecting Offices and Documents

In the list that was just presented, the Internet router that allows for shared access is not required.

For connecting dispersed office sites

After the above checklists, now here are some tables given to show a brief description and performance comparison of various network types (these are standard names for networks), the technology they use, and the speeds supported by various cable types.

Infrared technologies vary widely. They can be used for transmitting data between PDAs or cell phones.

This technology typically connects at a speed of about 115 kbps, while advanced technologies for connecting two networks together between buildings can run as high as 10 kbps and extend several miles.

Windows XP supports VFIR, which stands for Very Fast Infrared, which can transmit at up to 16 Mbps.

Network Comparison Chart

The following table compares various types of networks:

Network Type Cabling Connector Maximum Length Speed
10Base5 RG-8 or RG-11,
Thicknet coaxial
AUI/DIX 500 meters (1640 ft) 10 Mbps
10Base2 RG-58,
Thinnet coaxial
BNC connector 185 meters (607 ft) 10 Mbps
10BaseT Cat 3,4,5,5e,6
twisted pair
RJ-45 100 meters (328 ft) 10 Mbps
100Base-TX Cat 5,5e,6
twisted pair RJ-45 100 meters (328 ft) 100 Mbps
100Base-FX Fiber Optic ST,SC Connectors for fibre optic cables 2 Kilometers (6562 feet) 200 Mbps
100Base-T-Gigabit Ethernet CAT 5,5e,6 RJ-45 100 meters (328 ft) 1 Gbps
802.11b Wireless No cabling.
Uses Access Point (AP) for connection
150+feet 11 Mbps
802.11g Wireless No cabling.
Uses Access Point (AP) for connection
150+feet 54 Mbps
Infrared N/A No cabling.
Uses direct line of sight connections
Varies Up to 16 mbps

Transmission Speeds of Cables

The following table lists the transmission speeds of the various cable types:

Transmission Medium Transmission Speed
Thicknet Coaxial 10 Mbps
Thinnet Coaxial 10 Mbps
Cat 2 twisted pair 4 Mbps
Cat 3 twisted pair 10 Mbps
Cat 4 twisted pair 16 Mbps
Cat 5 twisted pair 100 Mbps
Cat 5e twisted pair 1 Gbps
Cat 6 twisted pair 10 Gbps
Fiber Optic 100 Mbps - 2 Gbps
802.11b 11 Mbps
802.11g 54 Mbps

Choosing a suitable transmission medium

When it is necessary for us to adhere to the following criteria, we should make use of twisted-pair cable:

Here is a list of some critical considerations when using twisted pair cables:

Coaxial cable should be used when:

Here is a list of some important considerations when using coaxial cables:

Fibre Optics should be used when:

Here's something to keep in mind when using fibre optics:

Choose radio waves when:

Here's something to keep in mind when using radio waves:

Choose a microwave when:

When making use of a microwave, it is vital to keep in mind the following important consideration:

Choose satellite when:

Here is a list of some important considerations when using satellite:

When to use infrared:

Here's something to keep in mind when using infrared:

Computer Networking Quiz


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