FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION SEMESTER 1 2024/2025

SHPP1032

TELECOMMUNICATION AND COMPUTER NETWORK

SECTION 02

ASSIGNMENT 1

NAMA AHLI NO MATRIK

MUHAMAD ZAIRI SHAHRIL BIN ZULKIFLI A24HP0081

NURFARLINA BINTI ABDULLAH A24HP0166

SUFI ZULAIKHA FARHANA BINTI MOHD

A24HP0208
AZMIZAN
MUHAMMAD KHAIRUL ANUAR BIN SHAH- A24HP0102
JEHAN

LECTURER :
DR.MOHD SHAFIE B.ROSLI

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

1.0 ) Objective .................................................................................................. 3

2.0 ) Introduction .............................................................................................. 3

3.0 ) Function and type of networking hardware ............................................. 4

3.1 ) Modem ........................................................................................... 4

3.1.1 ) Function of modem ...................................................... 4 - 5

3.1.2 ) Type of modem ................................................................. 5

3.2 ) Repeaters ........................................................................................ 6

3.2.1 ) Function of repeaters ......................................................... 7

3.2.2 ) Type of repeaters ............................................................... 8

3.3 ) HUB ............................................................................................... 9

3.3.1 ) Function of HUB ............................................................... 9

3.3.2 ) Type of HUB ............................................................. 9 - 10

3.4 ) Switch ........................................................................................... 10

3.4.1 ) Function of Switch .......................................................... 11

3.4.2 ) Type of Switch ......................................................... 11 - 13

3.5 ) Wireless network .......................................................................... 13

3.5.1 ) Function of wireless network ......................................... 13

3.5.2 ) Type of wireless network ............................................... 14

4.0 ) Limitations of each networking devices ......................................... 15 - 18

5.0 ) Difference of 3 pairs networking hardware ..................................... 19 -20

6.0 ) Conclusion .............................................................................................. 21

7.0 ) Reference ................................................................................................ 22

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1.0 OBJECTIVE

1. Briefly explain the types and functions of five (5) networking hardware,
along with pictures.
2. Discuss the limitations of each networking hardware.
3. Compare and explain the main differences between three (3) pairs of
networking hardware that perform almost exactly the same functions.
Consider when you should use one over the other in different situations.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

In today’s digital age, where connectivity is essential to almost every aspect in

life whether at home, at work or in society at large. Networking hardware plays a
vital role in connecting multiple devices and facilitating the exchange of data
Networking hardware, also known as computer networking devices, are
electronic devices which are required communication and interaction between
devices on a comput for er network. Networking hardware consists of physical
devices that enable communication and data exchange between computers and
other devices within a network. There are many functions of networking devices
that have their respective roles, including allow device to connect to the internet
network effiently and securly , improve network speed and manage data flow
better, protect the network by controlling access and preventing threats and
expand the network range and solve signal problems .Common examples of
network hardware include modem, repeater, switch, hub, wireless network and so
on facilitate the transfer of data, manage network traffic and provide connectivity.

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3.0 FUNCTION AND TYPE Of NETWORKING HARDWARE

3.1 MODEM
A modulator-demodulator, commonly referred as a modem is a computer
hardware device that convert digital data from a computer into a format suitable
for transmission over analog communication lines like telephone lines. For
example, the modem that connecting your home to your internet service provider
(ISP) through a physical connection. The modem translates the data from your
ISP into a format that your home network devices can use.

3.1.1 FUNCTION OF MODEM

1 ) MODULATED SIGNAL
The main function of modem is going to signals into analog singnals for
transmission over traditional analog communication channels. The
process of converting digital to analog is known as modulation, and the
reverse of modulation is known as demodulation.

2 ) DATA COMPRESSION
Data compression is another main function of modem. Data compression
is the process of using encoding, restructuring, and other modifications to
reduce the size of digital data files without changing their fundamental
properties. By reducing the size of files, data compression minimizes the
network bandwidth required to share them and the capacity needed to
store them, also lowering costs.

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 3) FLOW CONTROL
Modems implement flow control mechamisms to regulate the data flow
between the sander and receiver, preventing data overload and ensuring
smooth communication. There two type of flow control like hardware
flow control and software flow control

3.1.2 TYPE OF MODEM

Type of modem Explaination
Dial-up A modem that uses a phone line to connect to an ISP.
This is the oldest type of modem connection and has
largely been replaced by broadband connections.

DSL A digital subscriber line modem uses a phone line to

connect to an ISP but with much higher speeds than
dial-up

Cable A modem that uses a cable TV line to connect to an ISP.

This is the most common type of modem connection.

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3.2 Repeater
A repeater is a device that amplifies and regenerates signals as they pass through
the network. The primary purpose of a repeater is to extend the distance of a
network by increasing the strength and quality of signals over long distances or
through dense blocks. Repeaters are often used in LANs (Local Area Networks)
and WANs (Wide Area Networks) to improve the performance and reliability of
the network. They can help to prevent data loss, reduce errors, and ensure that the
signal arrives at its intended destination with sufficient strength and quality.
There are some features of repeaters in computer networks:

• It extends network range by amplifying or regenerating signals.

• It improves signal strength and quality over long distances or through
blocks.
• It can be used in both analog and digital networks.
• They regenerate the signal without modifying its content.
• They can be applied to raise the efficiency and dependability of networks.
• It may be limited in the number of repeaters that can be used in a network.
• They may add delay or complexity to the network.
• It requires power to operate.
• It can be used in local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks
(WANs).
• It helps to prevent data loss and reduce

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3.2.1 FUNCTION OF REPETERS

1 ) SIGNALS REGENERATIONS

When data travels along networking cable, the singnals going weakean due
to many factors such as quality of cable, distance and interference.
Repeaters receive the weakened signal, amplify it, and then transmit it
again, effectively regenerating the signal’s strength. When singnals comes
back to the original medium the signal is usually required to be regenerated
so as to bring it back to its original state.

2 ) NOISE ELIMINATION

Repeaters reshape the signal and then noise elimination is effective in case
of repeaters. There are also might help eliminate or reduce the signal noise
that will occur during the signal transmission process. It cleans the signal
completely before retransmitting it to avoid noise crosstalk at the output

3 ) SIGNALS TIMING

In digital networks, timing is important to data integrity. Repeaters retime

the signal, ensuring that it maintains its original timing features.

4 ) INTERCONNECTING OF SEGMENT

Repeaters allow different network segments to be connected while

maintaining signal quality. This is especially important in large networks
where segments need to be interconnected.

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3.2.2 TYPE OF REPEATERS

Type of repeaters Explaination

These repeaters work by
amplifying the incoming signal and
regenerating it at the output. It is
used in older network technologies
that operate on analog signals.

These repeaters work by

regenerating the digital signal
without amplifying it. It is used in
modern network technologies
which operate on digital signals.

On basis of area LANs connected

Repeaters can be categorized as local or remote, depending on their location in
the network.

• Local repeaters: Local repeaters are typically used in small networks

where the distance between devices is limited.
• Remote repeaters: Remote repeaters are typically used in larger networks
where the distance between devices is greater.

On basis of types of network-connected

In other types of networks that they connect, repeaters can be divided into two
types

• Wired network: A repeater takes an incoming signal and repeats it,

allowing the signal to travel a greater distance without losing strength.
• Wireless network: A repeater receives a wireless signal from a router and
broadcasts it to extend the network’s coverage.

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3.3 HUB
Hub is a networking device that serves as a central connection point within a local
area network (LAN). Its primary function is to receive data signals from connected
devices and broadcast them to all other connected devices, regardless of the
intended recipient. Hubs operate at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model,
focusing on raw data transmission without any data processing or intelligence.

3.3.1 FUNCTION OF HUB

The hub functions as a central connector that connects computers in a network
system in the same data as receiving one data from one computer and
distributing it to all the other computers that have been connected to it which it
called frames.

3.3.2 TYPES OF HUB

1 ) Active Hub

An active hub also known as a powered hub, it requires an external power source to
operate. It amplifies and regenerates incoming signals, enabling data transmission
over longer distances without signal degradation. Active hubs can support a larger
number of ports, making them suitable for expanding network connectivity.

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2 ) Passive Hub

A passive hub, also referred to as an unpowered hub, does not require an external
power source. It simply provides a physical connection between devices without
signal amplification or regeneration. Passive hubs have limited transmission
distances and can support only a smaller number of ports

3 ) Intelligent Hub

Intelligent work similarly to active hubs but with some management features.
Like it can monitor the traffic of the network and check the flow of data
movement that occurs in the hub. These hubs have some kinds of management
software that help to analyze the problem in the network and resolve them

3.4 SWITCH
A switch is a hardware component in network infrastructure that performs the
switching process. The switch connects network devices, such as computers and
servers, to one another. Its main function is to forward data packets to the right
destination based on MAC (Media Access Control) addresses.

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3.4.1 FUNCTION OF SWITCH
1) Save costs
Connecting cables to industrial Ethernet nodes one by one, it costs a lot to
connect the cables. Therefore, switches can be a cost-effective option in wiring
and do not harm the user.

2) Easy installation
Without the need for a climate-controlled enclosure, switch installation will be
easier and simpler.

3) Eliminate collisions
With a defined port of a network switch, access data packets sent by different
devices will be seen faster and targeted to be sent to the corresponding device
without unnecessary collisions.

3.4.2 TYPES OF SWITCH

TYPES OF SWITCH EXPLAINATIONS
Unmanaged switches Unmanaged switches have basic
connectivity and limited capacity.
They are essentially "plug and play"
devices that can be set up to operate
without being configured in some way.
Unmanaged switches are typically
used in small networks that don't have
critical requirements for security or
availability.

Managed switches Networking experts need to configure

managed switches, which are designed
for use in large, complex networks that
demand reliability and security. These
switches offer more capacity than
unmanaged switches and provide
more operational flexibility and
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 control. Managed switches also can
provide network analytics, simplify
management, and deploy software
updates through automation.

Fixed switches Fixed switches have fixed numbers of

downlink ports—8, 12, 24, or 48. Each
downlink port connects a device to a
fixed switch and can provide power to
the devices. Uplink ports are often
modular, with interchangeable
network modules that allow for
upgrades to the overall throughput of
the switch. Ports can be connected
with fiber cables for higher throughput
or copper cables for PoE.
Fixed switches are also stackable.
They are often stacked in groups, each
of which acts as a single switch.
When more than 144 ports are needed,
modular switches (described below)
can be a good option.

Modular Switch Modular switches are customizable

and thus provide more flexibility than
fixed switches. These switches often
have 4, 7, or 10 slots that hold line
cards with various numbers and types
of ports. Networking experts can
configure the switches to support an
organization's networking needs.

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 For example, line cards for access
ports, routing, security, and other
features can be removed from the slots
and replaced with different versions.
Also, fan trays and power-supply
placement may offer flexibility. These
modular capabilities enable future
expansion and lifecycle longevity

3.5 WIRELESS NETWORK

A wireless network refers to a computer network that makes use of Radio

Frequency (RF) connections between nodes in the network. Wireless networks
are a popular solution for homes, businesses, and telecommunications networks.

3.5.1 FUNCTION OF WIRELESS NETWORK

A wireless network is a component that plays a role in connecting devices in a

network to share information more discreetly and easily. A wireless network is
the same as a wired network where both have the same function but what
distinguishes the two components is that the wireless network can be reached in
a specific area without a fixed location while a wired network has a location limit
to connect it based on the length of the network wires.

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3.5.2 TYPE OF WIRELESS NETWORK

1 ) LAN
A local-area network is a computer network that exists at a single site, such
as an office building. It can be used to connect a variety of components,
such as computers, printers, and data storage devices. LANs consist of
components like switches, access points, routers, firewalls,
and Ethernet cables to tie it all together. Wi-Fi is the most commonly
known wireless LAN.

2 ) PAN
A personal-area network consists of a network centralized around the
devices of a single person in a single location. A PAN could have
computers, phones, video game consoles, or other peripheral devices. They
are common inside homes and small office buildings. Bluetooth is the
most commonly known wireless PAN.

3 ) MAN
A metropolitan-area network is a computer network that spans across a
city, small geographical area, or business or college campus. One feature
that differentiates a MAN from a LAN is its size. A LAN usually consists
of a solitary building or area. A MAN can cover several square miles,
depending on the needs of the organization.

Large companies, for example, may use a MAN if they have a spacious
campus and need to manage key components, such as HVAC and electrical
systems.

4 ) WAN
A wide-area network covers a very large area, like an entire city, state, or
country. In fact, the internet is a WAN. Like the internet, a WAN can
contain smaller networks, including LANs or MANs. Cellular services are
the most commonly known wireless WANs.

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4.0 LIMITATIONS OF EACH NETWORKING DEVICES
NETWORIKING DEVICES LIMITATIONS

• Speed
Modems have maximum speed
thresholds based on their technology
e.g. cable. Speeds can be affected by
line quality and distance from the
service provider.

• Signal Interference
Electrical interference from other
devices can degrade performance,
leading to dropped connections or
slower speeds.
MODEM
• Distance Limitations
For technologies like DSL,
performance diminshes with distance
from the provider’s infrastructure.

• Bandwidth Sharing
In shared connections(like cable),
mutiple users can reduce available
bandwidth, leading to slower speeds
during peak usage.

• Limited Features
Basic modems may lack advanced
features like firewall protection,
Quality of Service (QoS), or parental
controls.

• Signal Degradation

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 While repeaters amplify signals, they
can also amplify noise, potentially
degrading the quality of the signal.

• Power Dependency
Repeaters require a constant power
source, making them less reliable in
power outages or remote loacations
REPEATER without access to electricity.

• Latency
The process of receiving and
retransmitting signals can introduce
additonal latency, affecting real-time
applicattions.

• Bandwidth Constrains
Repeaters can reduce overall
bandwidth since they share the same
channel for receiving and trasmitting
data, leading to potential congestion.

• Collision Domain
The function of the collision domain
and again transfer of packet does not
affect actually it increases more
chances of collision in between
HUB domains.

• Full-Duplex Mode
Hubs cannot communicate fully in
duplex mode, it can only operate in
half-duplex mode. Half-duplex mode,
in essence, means data is often
transmitted on just one occasion at a

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 given time. Therefore, the hub must
constanly switch its modes.

• Specification
Hubs cannot support networks that are
large like a token ring. This is often
because hubs must share data among
all the devices within the network.

• They are more expensive compared

to network bridges.

• Network connectivity issues are

difficult to be traced through the
network switch.
SWITCH
• Broadcast traffic may be
troublesome.

• If switches are in promiscuous mode,

they are vulnerable to security attacks
e.g. spoofing IP address or capturing
of ethernet frames.

• Proper design and configuration is

needed in order to handle multicast
packets.

• While limiting broadcasts, they are

not as good as routers.

• Security Vulnerabilities
Wireless networks are more
susceptible to unauthorized access and
attacks if not properly secured (e.g.

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 using weak passwords or outdated
encryption).

• Scalability Issues
As more devices connect to a wireless
network, performance can degrade,
WIRELESS NETWORKING requiring careful management and
potentially additonal infrastructure.

• Physical Barries
Walls, floors, and other obstructions
can weaken signals, leading to dead
zones within a coverage area.

• Range Limitations
The effective range of wireless signals
can be limited, often requiring
additional access points to cover larger
areas.

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5.0 DIFFERENCE OF 3 PAIRS NETWORKING HARDWARE
Repeater Hub Switch

A repeater can A hub receives A switch are key

generates and data from building blocks for
amplifies signals connected any network. A
to extend the devices.A hub switch connects
distance over connects multiple devices within a
which data can devices in a network and
travel in a network, intelligently
network. A transmitting data forwards data
Function repeater is used packets to all packets to the
to increase the connected specific device. A
network’s reach, devices switch enables
restore a damaged regardless of the connected devices
or weak signal or intended to share
provide access to recipient. information and
inaccessible talk to each other.
nodes.

Repeaters serve a Less efficiency More efficiency

different function due to than a hub because
by extending broadcasting data it reduces
reach rather than to all ports, which collisionsand
managing traffic can lead to improves overall
collisions and network
Efficiency increased performance by
network traffic. using MAC
addresses to direct
traffic.

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 It operates at the It operates at the It operates at the
Physical layer physical layer 1. physical layer 1 data link layer 2
of the OSI model. and sometimes at
the network layer
3.

• Analog • Active hub • Virtual

repeaters • Passive switches
• Digital hub • Routing
repeaters switches
• Managed
Type switches
• Unmanaged
switches
• Smart
switches
• Stackable
switches
• Modular
switches

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6.0 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, network hardware is the most important part of modern
communication systems because it facilitates data exchange between devices in
the network system. Without the use of this network hardware, the tasks
performed will become unsystematic. There are a various type of networking
hardware and the 5 from that are modem, repeaters, HUB, switch and wireless
network. Each of the networking hardware have its own function but there are
also identical function that can be identified in the hardware networking
equipment. This is to enable the communication process and data exchange
process within the network to be carried out and executed properly. Overall, this
networking hardware involves the reception and transmission of data or
information, although each of them has different levels of difficulty, weaknesses,
advantages, and functions. Since the existence of this network hardware, many
improvements have occurred in the management system, making it more efficient
with each software use. As wise technology users, we should make good and
efficient use of network hardware by applying it in various fields directly or
indirectly, as this network hardware can become even more advanced in the
future. Therefore, various types of hardware devices have been designed and
produced for the purpose of facilitating secure and efficient communication
within or between network systems.

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7.0 REFERENCES

1. What is Bridge in Computer Network - Types, Uses, Functions &

Differences Contributed By-kanika joshi ( 27 Oct, 2022 )
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-bridge-in-computer-network-
types-uses-functions-differences/

2. What's the Difference? Hub vs Switch vs Router ( Dec 17, 202 ) FS

Community.
https://community.fs.com/article/do-you-know-the-differences-between-
hubs-switches-and-routers.By-Irving

3. What is a network switch? (2022, July 28). Spiceworks.

https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/networking/articles/what-is-network-
switch/amP

4. IBM documentation. ( n.d. ).

https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/netcoolomnibus/8.1?topic=gateways-types

5. Zvi, H. ( 2022, March 8 ). What is a network gateway ? Check Point

Software.
https://www.checkpoint.com/cyber-hub/netw…

6.What Is Network Hardeware? (2024)

https://www.supermicro.com/en/glossary/network-hardware

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