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MAN MAN
LAN
MAN
MAN
Figure 6.13 Wide Area Network (WAN)
6.5 Network Devices
Creating a network requires several network devices, each playing a specific role. In the following paragraphs, we
discuss some important network devices.
6.5.1 RJ45 Connector
RJ45 (RJ denotes Registered Jack, and 45 refers to an interface standard) connector is used to connect the devices
to the network cables. An RJ45 connector has eight pins connected to eight wires of the incoming cable. An RJ45
connector (plugs) fits into RJ45 jacks, as shown in Figure 6.14. RJ45 connectors are attached to Ethernet cables for
connecting computers to the local area networks.
RJ-45 Plug RJ-45 Jack RJ-45 Plug RJ-45 Jack
Figure 6.14 RJ45 plug and jack
6.5.2 Network Interface Card (NIC)
A network interface card is a piece of hardware (also known as a network adapter, network interface controller, or
LAN adapter) that allows a computer to connect to a network. It is a circuit board installed in a Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI) expansion slot on a computer’s motherboard. NIC supports both wired and wireless communications.
Following are the two types of NICs:
1. Wired (Ethernet)
2. WiFi Card
Ethernet Card
Ethernet cards, also known as Ethernet adaptors, connect networks using cables. They provide high-speed network
connections in the range of 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps.
Computer Networks 231

