From modems and routers to switches, access points, and PoE, understanding network hardware is crucial for the CompTIA A+ exam (220-1201). In this video, you’ll learn the purpose of key networking devices, see how they connect in real-world scenarios, and explore the Power over Ethernet standards you need to know for the exam.
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Video Summary
- Networking hardware is essential—you need devices like modems, ONTs (for fiber), routers, switches, and access points to build a functioning network, whether at home or in a business.
- Routers connect networks and manage traffic, while switches expand wired connections, and access points provide wireless coverage—especially useful in larger or multi-floor environments.
- Firewalls protect your network by filtering traffic, and patch panels help organize cables in larger setups, making network management cleaner and more efficient.
- Every connected device has a Network Interface Card (NIC) with a unique MAC address—this is what allows it to communicate on the network, whether wired or wireless.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a game-changer, letting you send power and data through a single Ethernet cable—perfect for powering devices like IP cameras, phones, access points, and even TVs.
For more information, read the transcript blog below, or watch the video above!
Transcript
Networking is not all about concepts and software—we need dedicated hardware to make it all happen. In this module, we’ll learn about the different types of hardware you’ll find on a network.
The first device we’ll look at is the cable or DSL modem, which stands for modulator-demodulator. The modem’s role is to convert analog signals, like those from a phone line or coaxial cable, into digital signals that your computer can understand. Modems have been around for a while, dating back to the days of dial-up internet. While dial-up is mostly obsolete, modems are still used today, especially with cable internet connections via coaxial cables. If you’re using fiber, however, you’ll need an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). An ONT is similar to a cable modem but is designed for fiber technology. It converts optical signals to electrical ones and vice versa. Like a modem, the ONT sits between your internet service provider (ISP) and your local Ethernet-based devices.
Once the signal is converted into something your hardware can understand, the first local network device is the router. A router connects different types of networks—for example, a wide area network (WAN) like the internet to your local area network (LAN). It can also route traffic between subnets and make forwarding decisions based on the destination IP address using its internal routing table. In small networks, the router often runs additional services like DHCP, which assigns IP addresses to devices on the network.
Next, we have the switch. Switches are common in small businesses and enterprise networks because they allow multiple wired connections. They enable you to connect many PCs or locations within an office. A switch forwards traffic to the correct interface based on the destination, ensuring that data meant for a specific device reaches that device. This forwarding is handled by a hardware component called an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Switches can range from four ports in home networks to hundreds in enterprise environments. There are two types of switches: unmanaged, which simply allow devices to communicate, and managed, which offer advanced features like port speed control, disabling unused ports, and more.
Then there’s the wireless access point. You’ve probably seen these in hotels, restaurants, or offices. A wireless access point bridges wireless devices to the wired Ethernet network. In home setups, the wireless router provided by your ISP usually includes a built-in access point. In larger businesses, especially those with multiple floors, access points are separate devices placed strategically to ensure full coverage.
Now let’s talk about firewalls, which can be either hardware or software. Most enterprise networks use dedicated firewalls, but they can also be built into routers or installed as software on individual devices. Firewalls filter traffic by port number or application, allowing only authorized traffic to reach your network while blocking malicious data.
Another piece of hardware you’ll find in larger networks is the patch panel. It’s not intelligent—it simply serves as a central point where cables running through walls are connected for easier management.
Every connected device also has a Network Interface Card (NIC), which connects the device to the network. NICs are found in desktops, laptops, smartphones, and more. Each NIC has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address hardcoded into it, which identifies the device on the network.
Let’s put it all together. In a typical home network using cable, the ISP brings in a coaxial cable that connects to the modem. The modem converts the analog signal to digital, which is then sent via Ethernet to the router. Most home routers include an integrated access point, allowing wireless devices to connect via Wi-Fi. These routers also have extra ports for wired connections to desktops or other devices.
In a small business setup, the ISP brings in fiber, which connects to the ONT. The ONT converts the signal to digital, which is then sent to a router. In this case, the router doesn’t have a built-in access point because the network is larger and requires more ports. A switch is added to connect multiple desktops via Ethernet. Multiple access points are installed—one on each floor—to provide wireless coverage throughout the building. Wireless devices connect to these access points, ensuring everyone stays connected.
But how do we power all these devices? Running both a power cable and a network cable to each device isn’t practical. That’s where Power over Ethernet (PoE) comes in. PoE allows you to send electrical power over an Ethernet cable. This is especially useful for devices like security cameras or VoIP phones that need both power and network connectivity. Most PoE capabilities are built into switches, but if your switch doesn’t support PoE, you can use a PoE injector between the switch and the device to supply power.
PoE has evolved over the years. The original standard, 802.3af (simply called PoE), delivers up to 12.95 watts—enough for basic devices like cameras and phones. The next standard, 802.3at (PoE+), nearly doubles that to 25.5 watts, supporting more advanced devices like pan-tilt-zoom cameras and alarm systems. Then we have 802.3bt, also known as PoE++ Type 3, which delivers up to 51 watts—enough for video conferencing equipment and high-performance access points. Finally, PoE++ Type 4 delivers up to 71.3 watts, which is powerful enough to run laptops and even large hallway TVs—all through a single Ethernet cable. Imagine powering and sending video to a lobby TV with just one cable. That’s the power of modern networking.
