NETWORK DEVICES Ted Lawson LTEC 4550

Hub A hub is a device that allows you to connect multiple devices together, which allows them to act as a single group (or segment). It’s a dumb connector because it doesn’t really manage anything. A hub is mostly obsolete now due to the price of switches becoming very affordable. One way it was used was to give it to inexperienced user to connect multiple devices to the network, so it wouldn’t bring the network down with a network loop by accident. Price: $20-$150

Hub Traffic 1 Traffic 2

Switch A switch is network device that links together network devices and/or segments. Unlike a hub it is somewhat intelligent and can manage the packets that run through it, and forward them to their destination. It is used in nearly every business and home to allow more than one device to connect to a router (or modem). Sometimes it is integrated into a router, or gateway. Price: $10-$2000+

Switch Traffic 1 Idle Connection Traffic 2

Router A router is the most intelligent device. It controls incoming traffic and routes it to where it needs to go. It can also tell whether traffic is coming from inside a network or outside it and can help stop hackers from attacking you network. Most businesses use a router to route traffic to the different parts of their network at a more efficient pace than just using a switch. It can also be used to link Remote locations together. Price:$40-$4000

Router Traffic 1 Idle Connection Traffic 2 Switch Router Switch

Bridge A bridge is a device (can also be software depending on the setup) it links 2 networks together and allows them to talk to one another. It can connect multiple network segments together. One way It could be used is to link multiple buildings networks together or different floors of a single building. Price $35-$900

Bridge Traffic 1 Idle Connection Traffic 2 Switch Router Switch Bridge Bridge Connection Switch

Gateway A gateway is a device that connects you to the internet. A modem is usually used at a normal residential location or small business. A regular gateway is used a bigger businesses and for higher end connections it gives a dedicated IP (if its setup to) you then connect your router to it to give your local network Internet access. Any one who connects to the internet has some form of a gateway whether they be commercial or residential. Price $100-$3000

Gateway Traffic 1 Idle Connection Traffic 2 Switch Router Switch Bridge Bridge/Internet Connection Switch Gateway

Firewall A firewall is used to keep unwanted traffic from entering or exiting your network. It can be used as a web filter for businesses as well. It helps protect your network from hackers. Nearly all businesses have a firewall. They use them to keep out intruders and keep their network, as well as their data, secure. Price $300-$3300

Firewall Traffic 1 Idle Connection Traffic 2 Switch Bridge Bridge/Internet Connection Switch Gateway Firewall Router

Wireless AP A wireless AP gives users access to your network over a wireless connection using a secure or unsecure link. An AP can be used in many situations to provide people access to a network. Businesses use it to let their employees work from a laptop. Price $35-$550

Wireless AP Switch AP From Network Phone Laptop Tablet

Whole Network Traffic 1 Idle Connection Traffic 2 Switch Bridge Bridge/Internet Connection Switch Gateway Firewall Router AP