Networking Hardware

Computer networks have at least one powerful computer known as a server to provide services for the network users. In small businesses one server can provide all the services that are needed for that network.

File server – to store and provide files to the user

Web server – uploads and distributes web pages with their linked files to the Internet

Database server – provides database services to other computer users and programs

Backing up data is an essential part of maintaining the security of data for the theatre. One method of backing up data is to store it on a removable device, such as a hard disk or a magnetic tape, or an alternative is to make use of ‘cloud’ storage.

A firewall plays an important role in protecting networks from intrusion; these devices sit between the Internet and the network and act as a security guard for the local area network. All data traffic that passes through the firewall is checked using a set of rules to protect the network from unauthorised access by hackers

Basic devices used in every network:

- NIC

- Hub/Switch

- Wifi Router

A hub has several ports through which devices are connected and data is sent out to all ports except the input port, but switched data transfer is more efficient than hub transfer as the data is transferred to the destination line output, rather than every line.

The network interface card shown has an Ethernet cable input and is simply fitted into a spare slot at the back of the computer to connect to the motherboard. This allows it access to a network.

A hub is a device for connecting many Ethernet-cable-type devices, such as computers; it has several ports through which these devices are connected and the data received is sent out again to all other ports except the input port. 

These perform a similar role to hubs, but switched data transfer is more efficient than hub transfer as the data is transferred to the destination line output, rather than every line.

Acts as a wireless access point and provides network access for a range of Wi-Fi devices, such as tablet computers, smartphones and laptop computers.