Networking and Communication products are classified as all those devices that are instrumental in performing the task of representing, transferring, interpreting and processing of data among persons, places, and machines. While Communication Equipments installs software, devices, equipment, and systems to transmit data in electronic form using either cabling or radio signals, Networking Equipments connect the computers and other electronic devices through switches, routers, bridges, hubs, gateways, etc., in order to exchange information.

Types of Communication and Networking Equipments

This category of industrial product can be broadly classified in two types -

Networking Devices – All the devices that are used to connect computer peripherals or other electronic devices so that information can be exchanged conveniently, fall in this category of communication product. This segment of communication and networking industry includes a vast array of hardware and software products that interface with the computers to perform functions like maintaining network security, allowing remote communication and controlling and translating data between a number of protocols. Some of the major components of the networking equipments family includes Access Points, IP Telephony, Network Accessories, Network Appliances, Network Bridges, Network Firewalls, Network Gateways, Network Hubs, Network Interface Cards, Network Media Converters, Network Modems, Network Multiplexer, Network Routers, Network Security, Network Servers, Network Switches, Network Test Equipment, Network Transceivers, Networking Cable Assemblies, Radio Modems and Serial Converters.

RF, Microwave and Wireless Component – This category of networking and communication devices is self explanatory. They comprise of all those equipments that are involved in the sending, adjusting, focusing, receiving or reading communication signals and that too without the use of wires or cables. The key component which has made this communication technology a success, is the RF (radio frequency) devices which is used to correspond to frequency of alternating current electrical signals that produce and detect radio waves. Some common equipments that works on this methodology are Bandpass Filters, EMI RFI Filters, Low Pass Filters, Noise Generators, RF Adapters, RF Amplifiers, RF Couplers, RF Filters, RF Receivers, RF Switches, RF Transformers, RF Transmitters and Wireless Systems.

Industry Growth

The communication and networking industry is one of the most flourishing industry in the technological markets all over the world. The steep rise in the demand for wireless technology has witnessed a rapid upheaval in the technological fronts and thus a mind boggling rise in the consumption of these have been registered since 2000. This is one of United States most popular market that grew by 2.8% in 2007 to reach a value of $319.6 billion. Further, the market is expected to have a value of $363.5 billion, an increase of 13.7% in the year 2012. Out of the total market of networking and communication products, 74% includes telephony and terminals segment. Europe is the largest communications equipment market in the world, accounting for 35.3% of the global markets value.

Applications

The scope of application of the communication and networking products is perhaps the most expansive in the world. With the Internet becoming the major tool of communication, growth of networking hardware and communication gadgets does not come as a surprise . The application of communication and networking devices is not only restricted to the Internet, as today various household devices along with other equipments are also in demand, more than ever. The use of these networking devices is not confined only to home owned computers but have expanded to work places, labs and health care, as they assist in easy transfer of information. The communication network solutions is being expected to increase exponentially over the next decade and the demand for greater bandwidth capacity will be a key priority for networking systems.

Major Market Players

Some of the major companies that deal in the manufacturing and supplying of these networking and communication equipments include Cisco Systems, Inc., Motorola, Inc. and Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Juniper, NEC, Nokia-Siemens, Nortel, ZTE and Emerson Network Power. While these are the popular network service provider, the maximum revenue is generated by Avaya, Cisco, Motorola and Siemens Enterprise Communications.

Communication and Networking Publications

Some of the major publications and journals related to the communication and networking devices that are produced to disseminate information and other details to the people all over the world are -

International Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems – Through this magazine, the organization plan to improve the state-of-the-art of worldwide research in the areas of communication networks and distributed systems. Publishing high-quality articles in the communication and networking area and exposing the readers to various methodologies, tools, techniques, algorithms, results, and types of articles are the main focus of this publications.

SIAM Journal on Computing – This is a scientific journal that caters to all the happenings in the mathematical and formal aspects of computer science and nonnumerical computing. This research journal has membership from over 500 communication and networking companies.

Globe Development Network – This networking publication is aimed to meet the challenges of development in contemporary age of globalization that demands greater empirical knowledge. This journal encompasses all major development topics ranging from the details of privatization and social safety nets to broad strategies.

Communication and Networking Associations

Some of the most noted communication and networking hardware associations that work for the benefit of the various companies and professional in the networking and communication market includes -

Computer Network Professional Association – This is a single platform that provides a forum for IT professionals to network together, share ideas, experiences and help each other to solve problems related to the communication industry. It is a place where information on Computer Network Technology and related Technologies can be disseminated and shared with the members with reference to all aspects of Network Software and products.

Computer Network Association – This networking and communication association is based at Florid and aims to give opportunities for expanding and achieving the set targets, to small business. They cater to the business needs in the IT and Web design support.

USENIX – This is an advanced Computing System Association that brings together the community of engineers, system administrators, scientists, and technicians working on the cutting edge of the computing world. USENIX supports its members' professional and technical development through a variety of on-going activities.

Chinese Information and Networking Association – Based in China, this association was formed in the year 1992 with the focus on excellent member services that are consistent with the mission of the organization by assembling a talented and experienced board.