Assignment 3 LTEC 4550 Cason Parker

Network Hub A Network Hub is a device that connects other devices together using Ethernet cables. Hubs are unintelligent devices incapable of data manipulation. Hubs can be used to network computers together on a small scale and are very simple to operate for users, opposed to more complex switches/routers.

Switch A Switch is a smart device that creates and connects a network together via Ethernet. Switches allow you to manage network traffic more efficiently using different protocols like Microsegmentation. Switches are vital to networks with many users. They provide many protocols and configurations that can enhance network abilities to its users.

Router A Router connects different networks together and allows them to communicate with each other. Routers use routing table rules for managing network traffic. Routers are essential to large enterprises to interconnect their networks together and increase work efficiency. Routers are also used by ISPs and home users to connect to the internet.

Bridge A Bridge extends communication between segments of different networks. Bridges require less configuration than a Router and are less expensive. Bridges are good for small office networks because they require less technical knowledge of IP routing to operate and are less expensive than Routers.

Gateway A Gateway device acts as a protocol converter between networks. They usually connect a local network to the internet. Gateways are needed anywhere a network needs to connect to the internet. From large enterprises to small home networks Gateways are needed to communicate to different types of networks.

Firewall A Firewall is used to protect a network from rule specified incoming data from another network. Hardware or software based Firewall systems provide a security barrier against untrusted data. Firewalls are very important to businesses to keep their local network users and data secure from outside network intrusions.

Wireless AP A Wireless Access Point allows users to connect to a network wirelessly. They do not create the network, but rather, extend a LAN network. Wireless APs have wireless specific network security protocol tools as well. Wireless APs are quite common in business, home and commercial use. Often Routers are built with Wireless AP capabilities and vice versa.

Network Router Internet Firewall Gateway Switch Hub Switch Wireless AP Computer Printer Bridge Cell Phone