Networking Components William Isakson LTEC 4550 October 7, 2012 Module 3

Hub Hub is a device that connects multiple Ethernet devices and communicates to them via Layer 1 in the OSI model. A hub will receive packets and broadcast it to all hooked up devices. Price range varies greatly depending on application. Commercial applications can range from $500 - $4000 Residential applications can generally be purchased for under $200

Hub – Network Diagram In a network, a Hub can connect several computers as well as a printer for example. Data Packets

Switch A switch works like a Hub only more intelligent. A switch is used to relay traffic at Layer 2 addresses of the OSI model and can support the creation of routing tables with its software. Price range varies greatly depending on application. Commercial applications can range from $500 - $15,000 Residential applications can generally be purchased for under $500

Switch – Network Diagram In a Network, a Switch can be used to connect multiple Hubs. Once the packet or frame is received, the switch determines what hub the data is sent to.

Router A router is used to route packets on the Layer 3 of the OSI model. It receives packets, reads the IP address and then determines where to send it within its connected network Price range varies greatly depending on application. Commercial applications can range from $500 - $80,000 Residential applications can generally be purchased for under $500

Router – Network Diagram A router can be used to route traffic to the internet or to somewhere within the private network based on the IP address.

Bridge A bridge is like a switch, however is normally used within a LAN. A bridge will forward frames based on the destination address. This will tell the bridge what port to forward the frame to in the Network. Price range varies greatly depending on application. Commercial applications can range from $500 - $80,000 Residential applications can generally be purchased for under $500

Bridge – Network Diagram A bridge may be used to connect several private networks to act like one network. In the diagram below, the Bridge is used to connect to network Hubs.

Gateway A Gateway is software or hardware that connects networks with different base protocols. A Gateway can be used to connect a LAN to a WAN and can ensure compatibility with all the internet traffic.

Gateway – Network Diagram In the diagram below, my ISP is using the Gateway between my connection to them and their connection to the internet. Prices for Gateways vary depending on application and can range from $50 - $50,000.

Firewall A firewall is a filter, if you will, to block out unwanted internet traffic. Packets are filtered usually at the IP level to determine if the packet is safe to let through. Most of the time the firewall is configured on the Router in the network. The cost of Firewalls are usually baked into the price of the Router, Server OS or PC OS. One can purchase their own independent firewall also at greatly varying costs ranging from $20 – up to well over $6000

Firewall – Network Diagram In this case the firewall is configured at the Router and filters the internet traffic attempting to broadcast to my network.

Wireless AP A Wireless access point is used to connect the wired and the wireless devices to create the network. Many Routers have the capability to provide a Wireless access point. Price range varies greatly depending on application. Commercial applications can range from $200 - $10,000 Residential applications can generally be purchased for under $150

Wireless AP – Network Diagram A Wireless AP is used to connect the smart phones and wireless laptops to the wired printer. Most home networks today have routers that act as Wireless Access Points

Network Diagram