An Overview of Active and Passive Components used to create an IP Network

A Wired Computer Network (LAN) is basically a combination of various Active and Passive Network Components. In this article, we explore the salient points on the important Active and Passive Components that are required for building a basic wired computer network.

Architecture Diagram – Active and Passive Components in an IP Network

In the above diagram, let us assume that there are basically three departments in an organization that wants to have a LAN across all the departments – IT Department, Department 1, Department 2. So, if we are to plan for the network components department wise, for the IT department, we could plan for,

Network rack,

Router, Core switch

Edge Switches (if required)

UTP Patch panel, UTP Patch Cords

Fiber Patch Panel, Fiber Patch Cords

Cat 6/ Cat6A UTP cables

I/O Box with Face Plate, UTP Patch Cords

PVC Channel – Casing Caping/ Conduits

Fiber Cables (Single Mode or Multi Mode)

The components required in the other two departments would also be similar with the exception of router/ core switch being replaced by distribution/ edge switches.

The above mentioned network components can be broadly divided in to two categories – Active Components and Passive Components. Active Components are those devices which required to be supplied with external power (AC/DC/POE etc) in order to function. They also boost the power of the signals. Passive components do not require to be provided with any electrical power to work – They just plug on to active components and transmit/ carry the information (electrical / optical signals).

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