Networks are made up of both hardware and software. The network hardware provides the physical connections between the network’s various nodes and typically includes:
- Network Interface Cards (NICs), one for each PC
- Network devices such as hubs, bridges, routers and switches, that are together responsible for connecting the various segments of a network and for ensuring that packets of information are sent to the intended destination
- Network cables (sheathed copper wiring like telephone cords) which connect each NIC to the hub or switch.