Network Hardware
The hardware used for networking branches into two main areas, wired and wireless networks. There are new technologies that can incorporate power outlets, but for now we'll just stick to the most commonly used. Since this course is aimed at gamers I'll focus on wired networks and only just give mention to the wireless networks.
Ethernet Cable
Before even going into PCI cards, hubs, or routers, one of the most basic, yet an essential piece of equipment for networking is the Ethernet cable. Ethernet cable is commonly referred to as Cat5, although there is another version of the Ethernet cable called Cat6. Cat5 is still the most widely used and will handle Gbps networks, which is basically all you need to get started. The cable has two ends, obviously for connecting equipment. When connecting a NIC to a Hub/Router you need any standard type of Cat5. But if you are going from PC to PC you need a special cable called a Crossover cable.
NICs – Network Interface Cards
The first thing needed for successful networking is a NIC (Network Interface Card). Standard NIC’s today are usually at a speed rating at a minimum of 10Mbps (Million bits per second, NOT megabytes per second), or 100Mbps. For good gaming with very little lag the more Mbps, the better. The NIC card, just like every other piece of hardware in a network, is only as strong as the weakest link. A Gbps card (1000Mbps) will only go as fast as your router, hub or switch can handle.
Below is a figure of a NIC card: This Linksys happens to be 10/100/1000Mbps, in other words it can handle pretty much any network you throw at it.
For gaming, 1000Mbps would be ideal, but you can still hold a successful LAN with a 10Mbps card. Gains would most likely be marginal past 10Mbps.