Networking devices

What is a network?

Networks Can you think of other ways people use networks Networks come in all sizes. They can range from simple networks consisting of two computers, to networks connecting millions of devices. Here are other uses of a network and the Internet: Sharing music and video files Research and on-line learning Chatting with friends Planning vacations Purchasing gifts and supplies Can you think of other ways people use networks and the Internet in their daily lives?

Basic Network Components There are many components that can be part of a network, for example personal computers, servers, networking devices, and cabling. These components can be grouped into four main categories: Hosts Shared peripherals Networking devices Networking media

Network devices Networking devices connect other devices, mainly hosts. These devices move and control network traffic. Networking Devices include all the devices that connect the end-user devices together to allow them to communicate Example of network devices include hubs, switches, and routers.

Network devices Network devices provide transport for the data that needs to be transferred between end-user devices Network devices provide extension of cable connections, concentration of connections, conversion of data formats, and management of data transfers These devices are the following: Repeaters Hubs Bridges Switches Routers

repeaters Repeaters used to regenerate the signal

HUBs Hubs concentrate connection

bridges Bridges convert network transmission data formats as well as perform basic data transmission management

switches Switches add more intelligence to data transfer management

routers Routers have all the capabilities listed above and can connect to WAN