# networking hardware

> devices that mediate data in a computer network

**Wikidata**: [Q1546066](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1546066)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Networking_hardware)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/networking-hardware

## Summary
Networking hardware refers to the physical devices that mediate data within a computer network. These essential components are responsible for connecting various network elements and facilitating the flow of information. They form the backbone of all digital communication, enabling devices to interact and share resources.

## Key Facts
- Networking hardware consists of devices that mediate data in a computer network.
- It is classified as a subclass of computer hardware.
- Networking hardware is an integral part of a computer network.
- Common aliases include network equipment, computer networking device, and network device.
- The concept is partially coincident with telecommunications devices.
- It is identified with a common procurement vocabulary code of 32420000.
- The entity has 35 sitelinks.
- The Wikipedia title for this entity is "Networking hardware".

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of networking hardware?
A: The primary function of networking hardware is to mediate data within a computer network. These devices facilitate the connection and communication between various components, ensuring data can be transmitted and received across the network.

### Q: What are some common examples of networking hardware?
A: Common examples of networking hardware include routers, network switches, ethernet hubs, wireless access points, and network bridges. Each type plays a specific role in managing and directing data traffic within a network.

### Q: How does networking hardware relate to computer hardware?
A: Networking hardware is a specific subclass of computer hardware, meaning it comprises physical components used in computing. While all networking hardware is a form of computer hardware, it is distinguished by its specialized function of mediating data in a network.

## Why It Matters
Networking hardware is indispensable for the functionality of any computer network, from personal home networks to the global internet. It addresses the fundamental need for devices to communicate and share data, overcoming physical isolation. By mediating data flow, these devices enable critical functions such as email, web browsing, streaming, and cloud computing, which are integral to modern life, business, and education. The continuous development and deployment of advanced networking hardware drive improvements in network speed, reliability, and security, directly impacting our ability to connect, collaborate, and access information efficiently. Without these physical components, the interconnected digital world as we know it would cease to exist.

## Notable For
- Its foundational role in enabling communication and data exchange across all computer networks.
- Encompassing a diverse range of specialized physical devices, including routers, switches, and wireless access points.
- Being a specific subclass of computer hardware dedicated to network operations.
- Its function in mediating data, which is crucial for the efficient and organized flow of information.

## Body

### Definition and Core Function
Networking hardware refers to devices that mediate data in a computer network. These physical components are essential for enabling communication and data exchange between various devices connected within a network. The primary use of networking hardware is within computer networks.

### Classification and Relationships
Networking hardware is classified as a subclass of computer hardware, which broadly refers to the physical components of a computer. It is also considered part of a larger computer network. The concept of networking hardware is partially coincident with telecommunications devices.

### Types of Networking Hardware
The category of networking hardware includes a diverse range of devices, each serving specific functions in network operation:
*   **Routers:** Devices that connect computer networks.
*   **Network Switches:** Computer networking devices that use packet switching to forward data; they are a main component of the Internet infrastructure and of each computer network.
*   **Ethernet Hubs:** Devices for connecting multiple Ethernet devices together and making them act as a single network segment.
*   **Wireless Access Points (WAPs):** Devices that allow wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi or related standards.
*   **Network Bridges:** Devices that create a larger computer network from two smaller networks.
*   **Gateways:** Hardware or software components that connect between two network systems. Examples include VoIP gateways, which are gateway devices using Internet Protocols, and GPRS Gateway Service Nodes.
*   **Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs):** Network devices, often located in telephone exchanges, that connect multiple customer DSL interfaces to a high-speed digital communications channel using multiplexing techniques.
*   **Middleboxes:** Intermediary boxes performing functions apart from normal, standard functions of an IP router on the data path between a source host and destination host.
*   **PHYceivers:** Network devices that operate at the physical layer (PHY) of the OSI model.
*   **Unidirectional Networks:** Network devices that permit data flow in only one direction.
*   **Wireless Repeaters:** Devices that take an existing signal from a wireless router or wireless access point and rebroadcast it to create a second network.
*   **Optical Modules:** Optical transceivers used in high-bandwidth data communications applications.
*   **Customer-Premises Equipment (CPE):** Terminal and associated equipment located at a subscriber's premises.
*   **SIM Box:** A VOIP gateway component.
*   **PSE:** A type of network device.
*   **Network Termination:** A component related to network infrastructure.
*   **8P8C Modular Connector:** A modular connector with 8 contacts, e.g., used for Ethernet, with an inception date of 1973.

### Related Concepts and Entities
Several entities are related to networking hardware, including:
*   **Jump server:** A computer on a network used to access a separate security zone.
*   **Sea switch:** A submersible switching unit in marine technology.
*   **Station:** A network device with capability to use the 802.11 protocol.
*   **Network switching subsystem:** A component of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).
*   **Hewlett Packard Enterprise:** An American information technology company, founded November 1, 2015, involved in computer hardware and software.
*   **HP Inc.:** An American information technology company, founded November 1, 2015, involved in computer hardware and software.
*   **ANTlabs:** A Singaporean network technology company, founded in 1999.
*   **Mobilitec:** An entity founded in 2000 in the United States.

### Identifiers and Categorization
Networking hardware is identified by various codes and categories:
*   **KBPedia ID:** NetworkingHardware
*   **BabelNet ID:** 15148422n
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/05pc33
*   **Quora Topic:** Computer-Networking-Hardware, Networking-Hardware
*   **Common Procurement Vocabulary Code:** 32420000
*   **Wikimedia Commons Category:** Network hardware

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "networking hardware",
  "description": "devices that mediate data in a computer network",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Networking_hardware",
  "additionalType": "https://schema.org/ComputerHardware"
}

## References

1. BabelNet
2. Quora
3. KBpedia
4. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)