A Guide to major network components Building Blocks A Guide to major network components

7 Major Network Components Gateway Firewall Router Switch Bridge Wireless Access Point (WAP) Hub

Seven Components To Get From Here To There ? ? 1 Gateway ? ? ?

1 Gateway A gateway is a type of router that translates between one network system and another. In business, the gateway routes traffic from workstations to an outside network. It can also act as a proxy server and a firewall. In homes, the gateway is the ISP that connects the user to the internet. Cost range: $30 - $250

How it works. The gateway is the first point of contact outside the appointed local area network. Each wireless gateway houses a unique WiFi Network Name (SSID) and WiFi Network Password (Key). The gateway has two IP address. An external assigned by the internet service provider and an internal address accessible only within its assigned network. GATEWAY

Networking: Seven Points From Here To There ? ? 1 Gateway ? 2 Firewall ? ?

2 Firewall A firewall is software or hardware designed to block unauthorized access Network firewalls protect large networks. Host-based firewalls protect individual computers Businesses require a combination of both to meet security requirements Cost is determined by the size and complexity of the firewall and can be in the thousands.

How it works. Firewalls control network traffic using packet filtering, proxy service, and stateful inspection. Packet filtering discards any data packets flagged by the filters. Proxy service receives and delivers data via the firewall. Stateful inspection compares key parts of data packets to a database of trusted information. Information that cannot be verified is discarded.

Networking: Seven Points From Here To There ? ? 1 Gateway ? 2 Firewall 3 Router ? ?

3 Router A router connects multiple networks and filters traffic, incoming and outgoing, based on IP addresses. It has two main functions. The router ensures that information doesn't go where it's not needed. The router routes data to its intended destination Cost is determined by the capacity of the router. Lower capacity routers start around $20. Higher capacity business routers can be in the thousands of dollars.

How it works. A router links the separated networks while connecting both networks to the Internet. It examines incoming packets, reads recipient addresses, and determines which network to route the packet to.

Networking: Seven Points From Here To There 4 Switch ? 1 Gateway ? 2 Firewall 3 Router ? ?

4 Switch A switch enables networked devices such as computers, printers, and servers, to talk to each other efficiently. Home networks use unmanaged switches that are pre-configured for easy installation. Business networks use managed switches which have more network capacity. Cost range starts at around $20 and is determined by the capacity of the switch. Enterprise switches run into the tens-of- thousands of dollars.

How it works. Switching allows a network to maintain full-duplex Ethernet. In fully switched networks, information travels simultaneously. The switch collects the data transmission and forwards it to the appointed recipient. If twisted-pair or fiber-optic cabling is used, traffic flows in both directions and delivers a collision-free environment. 

Networking: Seven Points From Here To There 4 Switch 5 Bridge 3 Router 1 Gateway ? 2 Firewall ? ?

5 Bridge A network bridge is software or hardware that connects two or more networks so that they can communicate. Home networks use a bridge when they want to share among other computers on the home network. Businesses use bridges to extend their networks and connect networks that are geographically remote from one another. Cost range: $0 - $100

How it works. Bridges use access points to connect to networks. Bridges can be wireline or wireless and differ depending on the size and type of wireless network. BRIDGE

Networking: Seven Points From Here To There 4 Switch 5 Bridge 1 Gateway 2 Firewall 3 Router 6 WAP ? ?

6 WAP A wireless access point allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network. WAPs provides wireless Internet in public places, like coffee shops, airports and train stations. Businesses use access points so that employees can be mobile in the office and remain connected to the network. Cost range: $100 - $500 is dependent on the amount of security measures built into the hardware.

How it works. Wireless access points use modulation to transfer and received data. The access point takes the modulated radio frequency signal and translates it into binary. The binary translation is then reassembled in Ethernet packets, forwarded to the wireless router, and delivered through the network to the assigned destination IP address.

Networking: Seven Points From Here To There 4 Switch 5 Bridge 1 Gateway 2 Firewall 3 Router 6 WAP 7 Hub 7 Hub

7 Hub The hub serves as a central connection for all of your network equipment. There are three types of hubs: network, passive, and intelligent. Network hubs connect printers, storage devices, workstations, servers, etc. Passive hubs serve as data paths from one device, or network segment, to another. Intelligent hubs are manageable and allow administrators to monitor transfers Cost range: $10 - $700 is dependent on port capacity and wattage.

How it works. Hubs can send or receive information, but it can't do both at the same time. The hub forwards received data packets out to all ports in the hub without filtering or redirection. All devices connected to the hub see everything that the other hub connections see. The computers themselves determine if they are the targeted recipient of the message.

Completed Network Diagram 4 Switch 5 Bridge 1 Gateway 2 Firewall 3 Router 6 WAP 7 Hub 7 Hub