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Each computer is responsible for determining which packets are destined for it and which are to
be ignored.

Extra Bytes
Information is transmitted across the Internet in the form of bundles called packets.

Switch
A switch is also used to connect computers in a network. Hubs were the preferred medium in

earlier times, but now switches are being used because of their better efficiency. It sends the
incoming data to the desired destination only. It records the addresses of all the computers
connected to it. When a packet is received, the switch reads the information about the destination
address to determine if the destination device is connected to it or not.

Basically, each computer on a network is connected to the hub/switch via an Ethernet cable. To
establish a Wireless Network, we require the following components:

Wireless Network Card

Wireless Network Cards are used instead of normal
network cards which are used in wired networks. The
Ethernet cable is not required as radio signals are used for
transferring data.

Routers

Routers are used instead of hubs/switches. They have a wireless
antenna which increases the communication range of the radio
signals. Routers can also be used to join a wired network, thus
making the network a combination of wired as well as wireless
network.

Extra Bytes

Nowadays most laptop computers come with inbuilt wireless network cards.

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

There are various types of networks which are used worldwide these days. Depending on the
geographical area covered by a network, there are four types of computer networks:

Local Area Network (LAN)
In LAN, two or more computers and peripheral devices are

connected within a small area such as a room, an office building, a
laboratory, etc. In LAN, computer terminals are physically
connected with wires.

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