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Ethernet, pronounced "E-thernet" (with a long "e"), is the standard way to connect computers on a network over a wired connection. It provides a simple interface and for connecting multiple devices, such computers, routers, and switches. With a single router and a few Ethernet cables, you can create a LAN, which allows all connected devices to communicate with each other.

A standard Ethernet cable is slightly thicker than a phone cable and has an RJ45 connector on each end. Ethernet ports look similar to telephone jacks, but are slightly wider. You can plug or unplug devices on an Ethernet network while they are powered on without harming them.

Like USB, Ethernet has multiple standards that all use the same interface. These include:

10BASE-T - supports up to 10 Mbps

100BASE-T - supports up to 100 Mbps

1000BASE-T (also called "Gigabit Ethernet") - supports up to 1,000 Mbps

Most Ethernet devices are backwards compatible with lower-speed Ethernet cables and devices. However, the connection will only be as fast as the lowest common denominator. For example, if you connect a computer with a 10BASE-T NIC to a 100BASE-T network, the computer will only be able to send and receive data at 10 Mbps. If you have a Gigabit Ethernet router and connect devices to it using 100BASE-T cables, the maximum data transfer rate will be 100 Mbps.

While Ethernet is still the standard for wired networking, it has been replaced in many areas by wireless networks. Wi-Fi allows you to connect your laptop or smartphone to a network without being tethered to the wall by a cable. The 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard even provides faster maximum data transfer rates than Gigabit Ethernet. Still, wired connections are less prone to interference and are more secure than wireless ones, which is why many businesses and organizations still use Ethernet.

NOTE: Ethernet is also known by its technical name, " IEEE 802.3."

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Ethernet, pronounced "E-thernet" (with a long "e"), is the standard way to connect computers on a network over a wired connection. It provides a simple interface and for connecting multiple devices, such computers, routers, and switches. With a single router and a few Ethernet cables, you can create a LAN, which allows all connected devices to communicate with each other.

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Fiber optic cable is a high-speed data transmission medium. It contains tiny glass or plastic filaments that carry light beams. Digital data is transmitted through the cable via rapid pulses of light. The receiving end of a fiber optic transmission translates the light pulses into binary values, which can be read by a computer.

Because fiber optic cables transmit data via light waves, they can transfer information at the speed of light. Not surprisingly, fiber optic cables provide the fastest data transfer rates of any data transmission medium. They are also less susceptible to noise and interference compared to copper wires or telephone lines. However, fiber optic cables are more fragile than their metallic counterparts and therefore require more protective shielding. While copper wires can be spliced and mended as many times as needed, broken fiber optic cables often need to be replaced.

Since fiber optic cables provide fast transfer speeds and large bandwidth, they are used for a large part of the Internet backbone. For example, most transatlantic telecommunications cables between the U.S. and Europe are fiber optic. In recent years, fiber optic technology has become increasingly popular for local Internet connections as well. For example, some ISPs now offer "fiber Internet," which provides Internet access via a fiber optic line. Fiber connections can provide homes and businesses with data transfer speeds of 1 Gbps.

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Fiber optic cable is a high-speed data transmission medium. It contains tiny glass or plastic filaments that carry light beams. Digital data is transmitted through the cable via rapid pulses of light. The receiving end of a fiber optic transmission translates the light pulses into binary values, which can be read by a computer.

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What is a Twisted-Pair Cable? - Definition from Techopedia

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Twisted-Pair Cable Definition - A twisted pair cable is a type of cable made by putting two separate insulated wires together in a twisted pattern and...

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Coaxial (or "coax") cable is a common type of cable used for transmitting data over long distances. It can carry either an analog or digital signal. While coax cables have many applications, they are most commonly used to transmit cable TV and Internet signals.

Coax cables that run underground are typically thicker and more heavily insulated than the cables that connect your cable box or cable modem to the wall outlet. However, they all transmit data via a thin copper line in the middle of the cable. This wire is surrounded by a layer of insulation comprised of non-conductive or "dielectric" material. The dielectric layer is covered with one or more metallic shields that provides additional protection from signal interference. Finally, a protective plastic outer layer surrounds the entire cable.

The heavy duty design of coaxial cables is what allows them to carry data over long distances with minimum signal degradation. In many cases, coax cables laid by cable companies several decades ago are sufficient to provide HDTV and high-speed Internet access simultaneously. However, certain coax cables (such as RG-59 cables) are designed for low bandwidth applications, like connecting a VCR to a TV, and may not provide enough bandwidth to carry a full HDTV signal. Coax cables labeled as "RG-6" are a better choice for HDTV and cable Internet service.

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Coaxial (or "coax") cable is a common type of cable used for transmitting data over long distances. It can carry either an analog or digital signal. While coax cables have many applications, they are most commonly used to transmit cable TV and Internet signals.

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A repeater is an electronic device that relays a transmitted signal. It receives a signal on a specific frequency, then amplifies and rebroadcasts it. By amplifying the signal, a repeater increases the transmission range of the original signal.

Repeaters have many applications, but in computing they are most commonly used in wireless networks. For example, a Wi-Fi network in a large home may benefit from using one or more repeaters to relay the signal to different areas of the house. Homes that have brick walls or cement floors may also benefit from having a repeater relay the signal around the obstacle. Businesses often use a series of repeaters to create a single wireless network within a large building.

While repeaters all serve the same purpose, they come in many forms. Some wireless devices, often called "range extenders" are designed to be used specifically as repeaters. Other devices, such as hubs, switches, and routers can all be configured as repeaters using a software utility or web interface that controls the wireless device.

NOTE: Since repeaters only relay an incoming signal, using a router as a repeater does not make use of its signal routing capability. Therefore, it make more sense to use a range extender as a repeater if possible.

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A repeater is an electronic device that relays a transmitted signal. It receives a signal on a specific frequency, then amplifies and rebroadcasts it. By amplifying the signal, a repeater increases the transmission range of the original signal. Repeaters have many applications, but in computing they are most commonly used in wireless networks.

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When a road needs to extend across a river or valley, a bridge is built to connect the two land masses. Since the average car cannot swim or fly, the bridge makes it possible for automobiles to continue driving from one land mass to another.

In computer networking, a bridge serves the same purpose. It connects two or more local area networks (LANs) together. The cars, or the data in this case, use the bridge to travel to and from different areas of the network. The device is similar to a router, but it does not analyze the data being forwarded. Because of this, bridges are typically fast at transferring data, but not as versatile as a router. For example, a bridge cannot be used as a firewall like most routers can. A bridge can transfer data between different protocols (i.e. a Token Ring and Ethernet network) and operates at the "data link layer" or level 2 of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) networking reference model.

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When a road needs to extend across a river or valley, a bridge is built to connect the two land masses. Since the average car cannot swim or fly, the bridge makes it possible for automobiles to continue driving from one land mass to another. In computer networking, a bridge serves the same purpose.

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Any system or device connected to a network is also called a node. For example, if a network connects a file server, five computers, and two printers, there are eight nodes on the network. Each device on the network has a network address, such as a MAC address, which uniquely identifies each device. This helps keep track of where data is being transferred to and from on the network.

A node can also refer to a leaf, which is a folder or file on your hard disk. In physics, a node, or nodal point, is a point of minimum displacement or where multiple waves converge, creating a net amplitude of zero.

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Any system or device connected to a network is also called a node. For example, if a network connects a file server, five computers, and two printers, there are eight nodes on the network. Each device on the network has a network address, such as a MAC address, which uniquely identifies each device.

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A device that adds wireless connectivity to a laptop or desktop computer. All of the adapters below are available as external USB modules as well as PCI or PCI Express (PCIe) cards that plug into an empty slot on the motherboard. See PCI and PCI Express. Wi-FiWi-Fi adapters provide connectivity to the local area network (LAN) in the home or office. Typically used to add Wi-Fi to desktop computers, they can also retrofit older laptops that never came with Wi-Fi. See Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Cellular (3G, 4G)Cellular wireless adapters, also called "cellular modems," "air cards," "broadband adapters" or "broadband cards," deliver the same 3G and 4G wireless service that smartphones use. See wireless broadband and cellular modem. BluetoothBluetooth provides short range transmission between the computer and a mouse or keyboard. See Bluetooth.

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WIRELESS-ADAPTER | 2 Definitions of Wireless-adapter - YourDictionary

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A device that adds wireless connectivity to a laptop or desktop computer. All of the adapters below are available as external USB modules as well as PCI or PCI Express (PCIe) cards that plug into an empty slot on the motherboard. See PCI and PCI Express.

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Routers can also provide security. Embedded firewall and content filtering software provide an additional protection from unwanted content and malicious websites without affecting your online experience.

A router isn't just for data transmission or Internet connections, though. Most routers allow you to connect hard drives and use them as file-sharing servers, or printers that can then be accessed by anyone on the network.

Types of routers

Core router

Core routers are generally used by service providers (i.e. AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone) or cloud providers (i.e. Google, Amazon, Microsoft). They provide maximum bandwidth to connect additional routers or switches. Most small businesses will not need core routers. But very large enterprises that have many employees working in various buildings or locations may use core routers as part of their network architecture.

Edge router

An edge router, also called a gateway router or just "gateway" for short, is a network's outermost point of connection with external networks, including the Internet.

Edge routers are optimized for bandwidth and designed to connect to other routers to distribute data to end users. Edge routers don't usually offer Wi-Fi or the ability to manage local networks fully. They typically have only Ethernet ports-an input to connect to the Internet and several outputs to connect additional routers.

Edge router and modem are somewhat interchangeable terms, though the latter term is no longer commonly used by manufacturers or IT professionals when referencing edge routers.

Distribution router

A distribution router, or interior router, receives data from the edge router (or gateway) via a wired connection and sends it on to end users, typically via Wi-Fi, though the router usually also includes physical (Ethernet) connections for connecting users or additional routers.

Wireless router

Wireless routers, or residential gateways, combine the functions of edge routers and distribution routers. These are commonplace routers for home networks and Internet access.

Most service providers provide full-featured wireless routers as standard equipment. But even if you have the option to use an ISP's wireless router in your small business, you may want to use a business-level router to take advantage of better wireless performance, more connectivity controls, and security.

Virtual router

Virtual routers are pieces of software that allow some router functions to be virtualized in the cloud and delivered as a service. These routers are ideal for large businesses with complex network needs. They offer flexibility, easy scalability, and a lower entry cost. Another benefit of virtual routers is reduced management of local network hardware.

How to choose small business routers

Connectivity

Pay close attention to the numbers and types of ports (such as phone, Ethernet, cable, and USB) to make sure you can connect the necessary devices. Remember that unused ports are fine to have, as they allow you to expand the network when needed.

Bandwidth

Sufficient bandwidth is important for user experience. It ensures maximum performance for multiple users: the more users, the greater the bandwidth needed. You can grow your business's network by adding additional routers or hubs if necessary, but insufficient bandwidth anywhere in the network can cause bottlenecks.

Wireless capability

Wi-Fi is a given, but there are different standards. The latest, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), can deliver much higher transmission speeds, especially when multiple access points (such as devices or additional routers) are connected at once. Wi-Fi 6 routers are backwards-compatible with old Wi-Fi standards.

Simplified setup and management

Most routers provide a browser-based interface that connects directly to your router to perform setup and admin. However, many manufacturers now offer mobile apps that are specially designed for their devices and provide more intuitive interfaces and easier setup.

Security

Your router should at least offer WPA or WPA 2 password protection. Some routers also have firewall software, which continuously scans incoming data for potential malware and viruses. Another important tool is MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering, which uses device-specific IDs to screen users and build a whitelist or blacklist for network access.

Flexibility

Consider routers that have at least one power over ethernet (PoE) port. PoE provides both data and electricity power supply to external devices such as wireless access points, VoIP phones, IP and cameras. PoE eliminates cabling and provides additional flexibility to your networks.

Automatic updates

Routers contain software that requires updates to maintain performance and security. Many manufacturers update software automatically, which is preferable because it happens in the background without any action on your part.

User changeable configurations

This feature allows you to manage network traffic, guest networks, parental controls, and security settings. The process is easier to handle if the router's configuration can be managed from an app as opposed to a browser interface.

Guest networks

Guest networks are an important layer of extra security for when guests visiting the business need Wi-Fi access. A guest network will limit access to the business's devices and files, while still offering connectivity to visitors.

Quality of service (QoS) controls

Combined with tools to look at usage across all users, this feature allows you to limit network use to up- or downstream transmissions, control for certain types of use (video streaming, for example), and specify bandwidth for different users. This feature helps you improve security as well as network monitoring.

Mesh networks

If you've had experience with Wi-Fi extenders, you may have found that they can do as much harm as good. They create multiple networks that don't communicate with each other, as well as device incompatibilities that can cause bandwidth bottlenecks.

A better solution is a mesh network, which allows you to place multiple Wi-Fi transmitters across your office, all on one network. Unlike extenders, which you can use with any wireless router, mesh networks require a router with this capability built-in.

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Routers are a vital component in any small business network. Learn what a router is and how they are used to connect to the internet and connect devices.

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A switch is used to network multiple computers together. Switches made for the consumer market are typically small, flat boxes with 4 to 8 Ethernet ports. These ports can connect to computers, cable or DSL modems, and other switches. High-end switches can have more than 50 ports and often are rack mounted.

Switches are more advanced than hubs and less capable than routers. Unlike hubs, switches can limit the traffic to and from each port so that each device connected to the switch has a sufficient amount of bandwidth. For this reason, you can think of a switch as a "smart hub." However, switches don't provide the firewall and logging capabilities that routers do. Routers can often be configured by software (typically via a Web interface), while switches only work the way the hardware was designed.

The term "switch" can also be used to refer to a small lever or button on computer hardware. And while it has nothing to do with computers, "riding switch" means riding backwards in skateboarding and snowboarding.

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A switch is used to network multiple computers together. Switches made for the consumer market are typically small, flat boxes with 4 to 8 Ethernet ports. These ports can connect to computers, cable or DSL modems, and other switches. High-end switches can have more than 50 ports and often are rack mounted.

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A hub, also called a network hub, is a common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are devices commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. The hub contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port, it is copied to the other ports so that all segments of the LAN can see all packets.

What Hubs Do

Hubs and switches serve as a central connection for all of your network equipment and handles a data type known as frames. Frames carry your data. When a frame is received, it is amplified and then transmitted on to the port of the destination PC.

Image: Hub and wireless hub network icons
In a hub, a frame is passed along or "broadcast" to every one of its ports. It doesn't matter that the frame is only destined for one port. The hub has no way of distinguishing which port a frame should be sent to. Passing it along to every port ensures that it will reach its intended destination. This places a lot of traffic on the network and can lead to poor network response times.

Compared to a standard switch, the hub is slower as it can send or receive information just not at the same time, but typically costs more than a hub.

Passive, Intelligent and Switching Hubs

A passive hub serves simply as a conduit for the data, enabling it to go from one device (or segment) to another. So-called intelligent hubs include additional features that enables an administrator to monitor the traffic passing through the hub and to configure each port in the hub. Intelligent hubs are also called manageable hubs.

A third type of hub, called a switching hub, actually reads the destination address of each packet and then forwards the packet to the correct port.
Recommended Reading: The Difference Between Hubs, Switches and Routers.
Home and Small Business Hubs

Hubs can be used as a standalone device or connected to compatible hubs and switches to form a larger network. Hubs are generally easy to install and maintain, making these devices a good option for home networking. A hub is also easily configured for small business branch office networking.

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What is a Network Hub? Webopedia Definition

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A hub, also called a network hub, is a common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are devices commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. The hub contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port, it is copied to the other ports so that all segments of the LAN can see all packets.