This document discusses different communication devices used to transmit information between computers and networks. It describes dial-up modems, network interface cards (NICs), routers, and switches/access points. A NIC allows a computer to connect to a network, while a router connects two networks and selects the best pathway. A switch connects computers in a wired local area network and an access point performs the same function in a wireless network.

1. Communication Devices
By Alia Yousaf

2. Objectives
• Students will be able to know about communication devices.

3. What is a communication device?

4. Communication Devices
• A communication device is hardware that is used for transmission of
information from one place to another between computers and other
devices.

5. Commonly Used Devices In Data
Communication
1. Dial-up Modem
2. Network Interface Card
3. Router
4. Switch/ Access Point

6. Dial-up Modem

7. Dial-up Modem
• Dial-up modem provides internet connection through telephone line.
• Maximum speed of dial-up modem is 56 kbps.
• It is being replaced by faster DSL connection.
• Modem converts digital computer signal to analog form for transmission
over telephone line.

9. Network Interface Card (NIC)
• A Network Interface Card (NIC) is used to connect computers together to
create computer network.
• A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component without which a
computer cannot be connected over a network.
• It is a circuit board installed in a computer that provides a
dedicated network connection to the computer.
• It is also called network interface controller, network adapter or
LAN adapter.

10. Network Interface Card (NIC)

11. Router
• Router is a communication device that is used when two networks have to be
connected for communication.
• They send information from one network to another by selecting the best
pathway available.

12. Types of Router
• Wired Router
• Wireless Router

13. Switch / Access Point
• A switch/access point is used for connecting computers together in local
area network(LAN).
• Switch is used in wired networks.
• Access point is used in wireless networks.
• A Switch/access point receives information from a computer in a network ,
inspects it and then transmits it to the destination computer.

14. Switch

15. Access Point