Networking Components Siby Abraham LTEC

Purpose of the presentation  This presentation will cover how certain network components function, when you can use it and how much they cost.  The components covered in the presentation are the following:  HUB  SWITCH  ROUTER  BRIDGE  GATEWAY  FIREWALL  WIRELESS ACCESS POINT 2

HUB  How does it work: Hubs enable computers on a network to communicate. Each computer plugs into the hub with an Ethernet cable, and information sent from one computer to another passes through the hub. A hub can't identify the source or intended destination of the information it receives, so it sends the information to all of the computers connected to it, including the one that sent it. A hub can send or receive information, but it can't do both at the same time. (Layer 1 device on the OSI model)  When and where can you use it: Hubs are commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. You can use it with your home network.  Cost of the device: Depends on how many ports you want.  Regular 4 port HUB: $12-$ espv

SWITCH  How does it work: Switches work the same way as hubs, but they can identify the intended destination of the information that they receive, so they send that information to only the computers that are supposed to receive it. Switches can send and receive information at the same time, so they can send information faster than hubs can.(Layer 2 device on the OSI model)  When and where can you use it: If your network has four or more computers or you want to use your network for activities that require passing a lot of information between computers, you should probably use a switch instead of a hub.  Cost of the device: Depends on how many ports you want. Cost $18-$200 & up 4

ROUTER  How does it work: Routers enable computers to communicate and they can pass information between two networks—such as between your home network and the Internet. If you just want to connect your computers, hubs and switches work well; however, if you want to give all of your computers access to the Internet using one modem, use a router or a modem with a built-in router. Routers also typically provide built-in security, such as a firewall. (Layer 3 device on the OSI model)  When and where can you use it: If you want to pass information between two networks (connect your home network to the Internet) They are needed in LANs if VLANS are used, but not for devices within the same network.  Cost of the device: $25-$250 & up 5

BRIDGE  How does it work: Bridge performs the same operations as a switch. Bridges can be wired or wireless, but are not commonly used anymore. Both joined networks have to use the same protocols. (Layer 1 & 2 device on the OSI model)  When and where can you use it: People with home or small office networks generally use a bridge when they have different types of networks but they want to exchange information or share files among all of the computers on those networks. Also can be used to extend wired or wireless signal  Cost of the device: $45-$100 & up 6

GATEWAY  How does it work A network gateway works by sending IP packets outside of a subnet. It is an Internet-Intranet hybrid network. Using it, you can join two or more local area networks.  When and where can you use it: a gateway can be used to reduce network traffic, it’s more often used to make communication possible in dissimilar environments. Mostly used in corporate enviroments.  Cost of the device: $50-$1000 & up 7

FIREWALL 8 How does it work: A firewall is a barrier to keep destructive forces away from your property. It looks at the data packets and then determines if it should be allowed or not. When and where can you use it: Firewalls are normally built into other hardware like a router. A physical firewall may be more used in a corporate setting. Cost of the device: $100 & up

WIRELESS AP 9 How does it work: An access point plugs into a hub, switch, or wired router and sends out wireless signals. This enables computers and devices to connect to a wired network wirelessly. Access points act a lot like cellular phone towers: you can move from one location to another and continue to have wireless access to a network. When and where can you use it: If you want to connect wirelessly. But if you have a router that provides wireless capability, you don't need an access point. Cost of the device: $20- $150 & up

Network Diagram 10