HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 1 Network Concepts Devices Introduction into Network Devices

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 2 Aims Gain a knowledge about network devices. Discuss what network devices are required to create a basic network Draw a bespoke network drawing using Visio

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 3 Network Devices In order to setup a network a variety of devices are required. The network devices differ according to what network you intend to setup. A network segment is a portion of a computer network where every device communicates using the same physical layer.

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 4 Basic Network A simple network can be created between two computers (peer to peer). –In order to create this connection each computer must have an NIC network interface card. –A Network card, Network Adapter, LAN Adapter or NIC (network interface card) is a piece of computer hardware designed to allow computers to communicate over a computer network.

Basic Network

An NIC provides physical access to a networking medium and provides a low- level addressing system through the use of MAC (Media Access Control) addresses. It allows users to connect to each other either by using cables or wirelessly.

Basic Network You would also need to modify the Ethernet cable by adapting the pins: 1--3, 2--6, 3--1, 6--2, pins 4,5,7 and 8 are unused. (or purchase a Crossover cable)

Task Create a crossover cable Discuss and make notes on the purpose of the crossover cable. Find out more about MAC Addresses Using the internet find out what a Modem is used for.

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 9 Other Networks

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 10 Other Network Devices There are a variety of different network devices that are available, each of which has a specific role within the network. Some of which are listed below: – –Switch – –Hub – –Router – –Bridge – –Gateway – –Repeaters

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 11 Other Network Devices Switches –A network switch is a device that connects network segments. –A switch is intelligent, it can recognise what cable has been inserted into it and adapt to allow the network to communicate.

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 12 Other Network Devices Hubs –A network hub is a device for connecting multiple devices together, making them act as a single network segment.

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 13 Other Network Devices What is the difference between a Hub and a Switch? –A hub receives a packet at one of its ports from a PC on the network, it transmits the packet to all of its ports (broadcast) thus, to all of the other PCs on the network. –A hub does not use any intelligence to determine the destination of a packet, whereas a switch does.

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 14 Tasks What problems could occur as a result of using a hub?

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 15 Other Network Devices Router –This is a device that forwards and routes data packets along networks. – –A router is often included as part of a network switch. – –A router is located where one network meets another. – –It prevents the traffic on one from unnecessarily spilling over to the other. This process is known as routing.

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 16 Other Network Devices Bridge – –A bridge is a device that connects two networks so that they act as if they’re one network. – –A key feature of a bridge is to enable a large network to be partition into two smaller, more efficient networks. – –Bridges work best in networks that are highly segregated.

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 17 Other Network Devices Gateway – –The main job of a gateway is to convert protocols among communications networks. – –A gateway can accept a packet formatted for one protocol (e.g. AppleTalk) and convert it to a packet formatted for another protocol (e.g. TCP/IP) before forwarding it. – –A gateway can be implemented in hardware, software or both, but they are usually implemented by software installed within a router.

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 18 Tasks Using the internet look into the various other available network devices/terms, including multiplexers, ADSL, Analogue and digital frequencies.

HNC COMPUTING - Network Concepts 19 Conclusion Gained knowledge about network devices Discuss what network devices are required to setup a network Create a bespoke network diagram in Visio