7. Networking hardware: Describing and fixing network hardware. Making suggestions The basic computer hardware components that are needed to set up a network are as follows −Network Cables
Network cables are the transmission media to transfer data from one device to another. A commonly used network cable is category 5 cable with RJ – 45 connector, as shown in the image below:
Routers
A router is a connecting device that transfers data packets between different computer networks. Typically, they are used to connect a PC or an organization’s LAN to a broadband internet connection. They contain RJ-45 ports so that computers and other devices can connect with them using network cables.
Repeaters, Hubs, and Switches
Repeaters, hubs and switches connect network devices together so that they can function as a single segment.
A repeater receives a signal and regenerates it before re-transmitting so that it can travel longer distances.
A hub is a multiport repeater having several input/output ports, so that input at any port is available at every other port.
A switch receives data from a port, uses packet switching to resolve the destination device and then forwards the data to the particular destination, rather than broadcasting it as a hub.
Bridges
A bridge connects two separate Ethernet network segments. It forwards packets from the source network to the destined network.
Gateways
A gateway connects entirely different networks that work upon different protocols. It is the entry and the exit point of a network and controls access to other networks.
Network Interface Cards
NIC is a component of the computer to connect it to a network. Network cards are of two types: Internal network cards and external network cards.
8 Talking about the past: Using the past tense. Time expressions. Networking sites. Talking about the past
Learn about the different verb forms you can use to talk about the past, and do the exercises to practise using them.
Level: intermediate
Past events and situations
We use the past simple to talk about:
something that happened once in the past:
The film started at seven thirty.
We arrived home before dark.
something that was true for some time in the past:
Everybody worked hard through the winter.
We stayed with our friends in London.
When we talk about something that happened several times in the past, we use the past simple:
Most evenings, we stayed at home and watched DVDs.
Sometimes they went out for a meal.
or used to:
Most evenings, we used to stay at home and watch DVDs.
We used to go for a swim every morning.
or would:
Most evenings, he would take the dog for a walk.
They would often visit friends in Europe.
We do not normally use would with stative verbs. We use the past simple or used to instead:
He would looked much older than he does now. (NOT would look)
We would used to feel very cold in winter. (NOT would feel)
