1.Computer

A computer is a key component for internet access. The computer's specifications for an internet connection significantly determine how fast or slow internet access is. The higher the computer's specifications, the faster the internet access, and vice versa.

a. Hardisk

The hard disk is where programs and data are stored on a computer. A minimum hard disk size of 2 GB is required. A larger hard disk size affects the amount of software stored.

b. Monitor

Monitor specifications differ as follows:

CGA (Color Graphics Adapter) monitors have a maximum resolution of 640x200 and can only display four colors. This type of monitor is considered a low-resolution monitor by IBM standards.

EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter) monitors have a maximum resolution of 640x350, which is sufficient for high-level applications such as displaying graphic modes. This type of monitor can display 16 colors in text format (80x25 characters or 40x25 characters).

VGA (Video Graphics Array) monitors have a maximum resolution of 800x600. The difference between EGA and VGA lies in the pixel display method. EGA/CGA pixels are displayed directly as a result of the activation of the generator adapter.

In VGA, pixels are processed in special memory on the VGA card before being activated, allowing for sharpness adjustments. VGA can display 128-254 colors. Super VGA, this monitor has the highest resolution, namely 1,024x764 and is capable of displaying up to 65,000 colors, including silver and gold.

c. Memory (RAM)

2. Modem

Modem is an abbreviation for MODULATOR DEMODULator. A modulator is a component that converts an information signal into a carrier signal ready for transmission. A demodulator is a component that separates the information signal (containing data or messages) from the received carrier signal so that the information can be properly received.
A modem combines the two, meaning it is a two-way communication device. Every two-way long-distance communication device generally uses a component called a "modem," such as a VSAT, microwave radio, and so on. However, the term modem is more commonly known as a hardware device often used for computer communications.

Data from a computer, in the form of digital signals, is sent to a modem to be converted into analog signals. These analog signals can be transmitted over various telecommunications media, such as telephone and radio. Once they arrive at the destination modem, the analog signals are converted back into digital signals and sent to the computer.
Modems are divided into:

a, Dial-Up Modem (Internal/External/Cable/ADSL Modem)

Functions to convert analog waves into digital signals from a telephone line, allowing a computer to connect to the internet. Dial-up modems are generally used by Personal Computers (PCs) connected directly via a telephone line. There are two types of dial-up modems:

1. Internal Modem
A modem is installed inside the computer, usually in an expansion slot on the motherboard. The average download speed for an internal modem is 56 Kbps.
The advantages of using an internal modem include:
a) It saves space and is more economical.
b) It doesn't require an adapter, making it more compact and less cluttered with cables.
The disadvantages of an internal modem are as follows:
a) This modem doesn't require an indicator light, making it difficult to monitor the modem's status.
b) This modem requires power from the power supply. This causes the CPU to overheat.

2. An external modem is a modem located outside the computer's CPU. External modems connect to the computer via a COM or USB port. Installing this modem involves connecting the modem to power, then connecting it to an adapter, and then reconnecting it to the power supply.

Advantages of external modems:
a) Good portability, making them easy to move for use on other computers.
b) Equipped with indicator lights, making it easy to monitor the modem's status.
Disadvantages of external modems:
a) More expensive than internal modems.

b. Cable modem
A cable modem is a hardware device that connects a PC to a cable TV connection. Its speed is faster than a dial-up modem or ADSL modem. Cable modems offer maximum speeds of 27Mbps downstream (download speed to the user) and 2.5Mbps upstream (upload speed from the user).

c. ADSL Modem or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
ADSL, or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, is a form of DSL technology. ADSL's defining characteristic is its asymmetric nature, meaning data is transferred at different speeds from one end to the other. This splits the telephone signal into two parts, one for voice and one for data.

d. CDMA Modem
A CDMA modem is a wireless modem that works with CDMA networks and uses CDMA technology. CDMA refers to one of many second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) wireless communication protocols. CDMA uses ultra-high frequencies, namely 800-1900 Hz.

3. Cellular phone towers

A cellular phone towers a prerequisite for connecting to the internet because it is used to transmit signals from the modem. This process occurs when the modem is connected to the phone and connects to the ISP.

This process is similar to making a regular phone call, but if a call comes in while using the modem, the caller will hear a busy signal and be unable to reach you. Because the modem and the phone are closely linked, modem speed significantly impacts our monthly phone bill. Therefore, a fast modem will save more money than a slow modem.

More specifically, internet access can also be achieved via telephone lines, satellites, and cellular phones. Here's an explanation.

a) Telephone Lines
Telephone lines are also essential hardware and are required to connect a computer to the internet, in addition to using a dial-up modem.
b) Satellite

A VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is a satellite signal receiving station with a parabolic antenna less than 3 meters in diameter. The primary function of a VSAT is to receive and transmit data to the satellite.
The protocol used is called WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), a messaging service protocol that allows mobile phones to access the internet

1. Server Computer

A server computer is a computer that provides services to other computers (client computers). Because it provides services, the server performs significant work. Therefore, a server computer typically has greater capabilities than a client computer. On the internet, a server computer functions as a repository for web documents from a particular website.

2. Workstation (Client) Computer

A client computer is a computer on a network that functions as a service recipient. Client computers typically have less capabilities than server computers. When we access the internet, our computer can be called a client computer because it receives services from the server computer belonging to the website we are visiting.

3. Network Interface Card

MAC computers use a special box that connects to a serial or SCSI port. Notebooks, on the other hand, use a PCMCIA slot to install a network card. Common network cards include Ethernet and Token Ring cards.

4.HUB Concentrator

A hub is a device that connects network cables to each workstation, server, or other device. Using a hub allows you to add workstations at any time without disrupting other network operations.

HUB characteristics include:
· Typically consists of 8, 12, 24, or 48 ports with RJ-45 connectors
· Used in star topologies
· Affordable
· Easy to use

5. Cables

Cables are equipment used to connect servers to workstations. Cable types include:

a. Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cables have a maximum connection distance of 500m. The advantages of coaxial data cables are their low cost and the absence of a hub (connecting center).
b. Twisted Pair Cable
Twisted pair cables are divided into two types: shielded and unshielded. Shielded twisted pair cables have a protective sheath, while unshielded cables do not. These cables use RJ-11 or RJ-45 connectors for their connections.
c. Fiber Optic Cable (FO)
Networks that use FO are typically large companies, due to their high cost and more complicated installation process. Data transmission speeds using FO exceed 100 Mbps and are free from environmental influences.

6. RJ-45 Connector

A connector installed at each end of a UTP cable that connects computers, hubs, and switches.

UTP Cable
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable is one of the most widely used transmission media for local area networks (LANs). This cable is relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and quite reliable. As the name suggests, "Unshielded Twisted Pair" refers to pairs of wires twisted together without a protective layer (without shielding). This twisting eliminates induction and leakage. Previously, there was also STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cable.

7. UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)

A device that functions as a backup power source for electrical equipment and stabilizes the voltage.

8. Printers

Printers are used to print work onto computer paper. When we use the internet, we might use them to display some information from the internet via spreadsheets.

9. Switch

A network switch (or simply, a switch) is a network device that performs transparent bridging (connecting multiple network segments with MAC address-based forwarding).
A network switch can be used to connect computers or routers within a limited area. Switches also operate at the data link layer. Switches operate similarly to bridges, but they have multiple ports, hence the name multi-port bridge.

10. Repeater

A repeater is a device used to receive a signal and retransmit it at the same strength as the original signal. In short, a repeater amplifies a signal so that the transmitted signal is identical to the original.

11. Bridge

A bridge is a network component used to expand a network or create a network segment. Bridges can also be used to connect two different network media, such as Unshielded Twisted-Pair (UTP) cable and fiber optic cable, or two different network architectures, such as Token Ring and Ethernet.

12. Rounter

A router acts as a bridge between two or more networks, forwarding data from one network to another. A router differs from a switch. A switch connects multiple devices to form a Local Area Network (LAN). To illustrate the functional difference between a router and a switch, imagine a street, with a router connecting the streets.
Each house on the street has its own address in a specific order. Similarly, a switch connects multiple devices, each with its own IP address, on a LAN.