Internet and Networking Components

DSL Modem- converts digital signals into analogue signals suitable for sending over a telephone line.

DSL/Broadband Filter- Used to filter out DSL signals from telephone signals so that you can access the internet and use the telephone simultaneously.

Firewall -functions like a router and generally what you use is firewall/NAT router combination in which a single device acts as a NAT router and firewall. With a firewall you have an extra level of control as you can also control what device/computers are allowed to connect to the Internet and what applications are allowed to connect as well

Hub - Connects two or more computers together being replace today by the switch.

ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)- Allows you to share an Internet connection with other computers on a Local/home Network. It requires that one computer be designated as the sharing computer (the computer with the Internet connection). This computer functions effectively as a NAT Router and must be left switched on for the other computers to access the Internet.

NAT Router - In home/SOHO networks (as opposed to large corporation networks) the router uses NAT (Network Address Translation). NAT effectively isolates your home network from the Internet in a backwards direction. See Internet security for more details.

Switch- Connects two or more computers together used today in preference to a hub.

Wireless Access Point-Connects wireless devices to an Ethernet network and to each other. Effectively does the same job as a hub/switch but for wireless devices.

Wireless Router- Connects wireless devices to each other and the Internet. Wireless routers also provide NAT services. See Wireless Internet

Related Articles and Resources

Understanding Hubs and Switches
Using the Ping Command to test your network by Pinging IP addresses.
Finding IP Address-How to Find the IP Address of a windows Computer
Setup Windows XP Computer on a Wireless Network - How to setup windows XP computer to access a Wireless Network.
How to Setup A Secure Wireless Network-Wireless networks are by their nature not very secure .Here we look at how to Setup A Secure a Wireless Network.
Home Network Planning and Setup - How to plan and setup a Home Network with home networking case studies
MAC Addresses and How to Find a MAC Address.- You will see the term often. But what is a MAC address and How do you Find the MAC Address of your computer/laptop etc.

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