Basic Networking Components David Ingles

Basic parts of the network Hub Switch Router Bridge Gateway Firewall Wireless AP

Network Hubs Hubs sends data from one computer to all other computers on a network Operates on Layer 1 of OSI model Acts as a “repeater” for signal passing through Declining in use in favor of switches and routers

Switches Relays traffic using Layer 2 address Contains software that supports building of routing tables Substantial improvement over Hubs Used to join multiple computers to a LAN

Bridges Similar to a switch in function Used to combine two or more independent networks into a single unit Usually associated with LAN device using MAC addresses Operates on OSI layers 1 and 2

Routers More powerful than hubs, switches, or bridges Principal operations at OSI layer 3 with IP Addresses Often configured as Firewalls Utilize extensive network management features Can be configured to operate as Bridges Used to connect multiple computers together as a LAN and provide connection to WAN

Wireless Access Points Connects wired and wireless networks Operates at IEEE 802.11 specifcations Many Routers have WAP features integrated into them Used to connect wireless devices to a network

Gateways Network node used to interface with networks using other protocols Can operate at any network level Serves as access point to another network Usually integrated into other hardware

Firewalls Protects computers from unauthorized access Hardware or software-based Often integrated into Routers or switches

How it all connects

Price Ranges Hubs- $15- $1000 Switches $50-$100,000 Bridges $20-$4000 Routers $10- $1500 WAPs $10- $4000 Gateways $10-$12000 Firewalls $150- $200,000 for hardware $20-$500 for software