networking devices

2.2 Networking Devices
A network can be as small as two computers talking together in a peer-to-peer relationship, or as large as the Internet—with unlimited possibilities between the two ends of the spectrum. All networks, regardless of size, have the following items in common:
• An operating system on the client or host that allows for the use of networking redirectors
• A networking protocol—a common language—through which communication can take place. Every workstation must run its own stack or use the stack of a server (as in a proxy server) to be able to communicate.
• Applications that utilize the network—email, FTP, etc.
• Network interface cards (NICs) installed in each machine
• Cabling
The cabling can be of various types, or even wireless. Cable types are tested heavily in the Network+ exam. The i-Net+ exam picks up in content where Network+ leaves off and looks at the connectivity devices used between the hosts to build the network. In particular, you must know four connectivity devices—hubs, bridges, routers, and gateways—each of which is examined in the following sections.