NETWORKING COMPONENTS DAVID SMITH LTEC /19/2011

NETWORKING DEVICES Modern networks are built using many different components and/or devices that help transmit data from one point to another. Some of those components include: -Hubs -Switches/bridges -Routers/Gateway -Firewalls -Modems -Wireless Access Points Sample network hub

NETWORK HUB / REPEATER A hub (or multi-port repeater) is a device that connects and transmits data to multiple devices on a network. A hub broadcasts (or repeats) data it receives to EVERY node on the network. Hubs are inexpensive ranging from $15 - $40

NETWORK SWITCH / BRIDGE A switch (multi-port bridge) is a device that, like a hub, connects multiple devices together on a network. However, a switch intelligently routes data it receives based on the MAC (physical) address of the nodes that send a receive information. Each port on a switch acts as a bridge that is its own separate collision domain. Consumer switches are generally inexpensive ranging from $30 - $50.

ROUTER / GATEWAY This device could be considered the heart of a network. The router connects two networks together (such as the internet and your home network). A router is a “gateway” that allows passage of data from one network to another. Consumer routers are generally inexpensive ranging from $30 - $50 and usually contain a switch.

FIREWALL A firewall is a device that helps to prevent unwanted access to data within a network. Generally, a firewall is built into the firmware of a router or handled by software installed on a workstation or server. However, some stand-alone hardware firewalls do exist. Consumer hardware firewalls are generally under $100

WIRELESS ACCESS POINT Transmits data from a wired network to wireless devices such a laptop and tablets. Most consumer routers now have integrated RJ45 switches and wireless access points x technologies built in. Stand-alone consumer grade devices are usually priced around $50

FULL NETWORK DIAGRAM This diagram includes all of the devices discussed in the presentation and where they would be located on a standard network.

REFERENCES Cisco unified communications media display design and implementation guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from dia.html Lan/wan design & implementation. (n.d.). Retrieved from