A bridge is a network device that typically links together two different parts of a LAN.

A switch, like a hub, is a device that connects a number of computers together to make a LAN.

Most computers have this built in straight into the motherboard but some computers don't so you have to add an extra expansion card (see image) In some laptops, they have 2 uses, wireless and wired connections.

A firewall is a device, or a piece of software that is placed between your computer and the rest of the network

Proxy servers are used to share information and resources
usually though an internet connection. Proxy servers are used instead of router since you can install additional software for example anti-viruses

A router is a network device that connects together two or more networks.

Cables are used a lot in networks, mainly because it transfers data faster than wireless data transfer. There are 2 types, optic fibre and copper wire cables

Before the days of broadband Internet connections, most computers connected to the Internet via telephone lines