What is a Network?

Connecting the physical pieces of a network

1. Network Interface Card (NIC) installed in the computer
2. Hub or combination hub/router (optional) to control data traffic flow
3. Cabling to connect the network components
   This animation shows a Cat 5 cable commonly used with Ethernet networks
4. Gateway (optional to connect to other networks)

Networks connect two or more computers so they can communicate with each other and share resources. In order for a computer to be connected to a network, it must have a network interface card. Most local area networks use a hub as the central point where all the nodes connect. Cabling connects each node to the hub. If the network is linked to another network, a bridge or a gateway is required to make that connection.