Interoperability:

Relating to systems, especially of computers or telecommunications, that are capabl

e of working together withoutbeing specially configured to do so.
This means that different types of computers using different operating systems, can
be connected, communicate with each other and share information- as long as they
follow the network protocols

Basic hardware requirements

Introduction
In a network, computers and other (optional) devices are connected to share
resources. When a computer or device A is requesting a resource from another
computer or device B, the item A is referred to as a client. Because all or most
items that are part of a network live in association or cooperation, almost any one
of them can be referred to as a client. Based on this, there can be different types of
clients.
A workstation is a computer on which a person performs everyday regular
assignments. A workstation is primarily a personal computer (PC). It can also be a
laptop. Almost any modern PC can be used as a workstation and participate to a
network.
Before building a computer network, you should plan it. In some cases, you may
want to use one or more computers you already have, or you are can purchase new
computers.
Following is the list of hardware's required to setup a computer network.

Network Cables

Hub

Distributors

Routers

Internal Network Cards

External Network Cards

Network Cables
Network cables are used to connect computers. The most commonly used cable is
Category 5 cable RJ-45.

Hub
A hub is rectangular box that is used as the central object on which computers and other
devices are connected. To make this possible, a hub is equipped with small holes called
ports. Here is an example of a hub:

Although this appears with 4 ports, depending on its type, a hub can be equipped with 4,
5, 12, or more ports. Here is an example of a hub with 8 ports:

Distributors
A computer can be connected to another one via a serial port but if we need to
connect many computers to produce a network, this serial connection will not
work. The solution is to use a central body to which other computers, printers,
scanners etc. can be connected and then this body will manage or distribute
network traffic.

Router
A router is a type of device which acts as the central point among computers and
other devices that are part of a network. A router is equipped with holes called
ports and computers and other devices are connected to a router using network
cables. Now-a-days router comes in wireless modes using which computers can be
connected without any physical cable.

Network Card
Network card is a necessary component of a computer without which a computer
cannot be connected over a network. It is also known as network adapter or
Network Interface Card (NIC). Most branded computers have network card preinstalled. Network cards are of two types : Internal and External Network Cards.

Internal network cards

Motherboard has a slot for internal network card where it is to be inserted. Internal
network cards are of two types in which first type uses Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI) connection while the second type uses Industry Standard
Architecture (ISA). Network cables are required to provide network access.

EXTERNAL NETWORK CARDS

External network cards come in two flavors : Wireless and USB based. Wireless
network card need to be inserted into the motherboard but no network cable is
required to connect to network