Network Components Kortney Horton LTEC October 20, 2013 Assignment 3
Hub
A hub is a network devices that moves packets from one device to another. Unlike switches, hubs are “dummy” devices that do not examine the data. They simply forward packets on without examining them through all ports. Hubs only have one collision domain for the entire hub, instead of one for each port like a switch. With this being said, only one packet per device can be moved at a time prevent crashing of packets into each other. They are also considered layer 1 devices on the OSI model. A hub is used as connections in LANs to help move data. Cost for a hub is around $45 – 100.
Hub Diagram
Switch
A switch is a device that forwards data by MAC address. The have multiple collision domains (each port), and are often used with routers in a LAN. Unlike a hub, a switch will examine the data to help with the forwarding to the designated port. They can also segment devices by creating VLANs. A switch operates at layer 2 of the OSI model. There are now layer 3 switches which add in data and packet transfers, and is considered a switch and router in one. A switch is used in LANs to connect multiple devices as one time, and transfer data as well. The cost for a switch is from $45 – thousands depending on the brand and type.
Switch Diagram
Router
A router transfers data through packets. The router works to move packets to different networks and VLANs. Without them, devices couldn’t communicate through the internet, WANs, LANs. They can be wired or wireless. They are needed in LANs if VLANS are used, but not for devices within the same network. They operate at layer 3 on the OSI model. A router is used to transfer packets across networks to communicate with devices. The cost is between $45 and to tens of thousands depending on the brand and type.
Router Diagram
Bridge
A bridge connects networks together to be able to communicate as if they are connected directly. Bridges can be wired or wireless, but are not commonly used anymore. Both joined networks have to use the same protocols. They operate in both layer 1 and 2 of the OSI model. They transfer data like switches by MAC address. They can also be power line adapters that plug into power outlets. The cost of bridges range from $50 to a couple hundred dollars.
Gateway Diagram
Gateway A gateway is a device normally on the edge of a network. They are normally grouped with firewalls and home router equipment. Gateways operate at all layers of the IOS model. The gateway combines different networks to be able to communicate with each other. Both networks can use different protocols. A gateway operates much like a router to transfer packets between networks. The cost for a gateway is $50 up to $1,000 depending on the brand and options.
Gateway Diagram
Firewall
Firewalls can either be hardware or software. Firewall can allow or deny packets to enter or exit a network. Some firewalls can be customized all the way down to the application level. Firewalls are placed between the switch and the router before outer edge of the LAN. That way your router can process the packets from the outside network, internet, and the firewall can drop or send depending on the commands set. Firewalls are used to block the outgoing or incoming of traffic to protect the network from malicious attacks. The cost of a firewall can range depending on the type and brand name. They can range between $100 to 1,000.
Firewall Diagram
Wireless AP
A wireless AP connects devices without having to be connected through Ethernet cables. It gives off a signal called WiFi, and has several frequencies that can be broadcast. The operate much like routers by transferring packets. Many businesses use wireless aps for easy accessibility to their networks. The operate at layer 3 on the OSI model. Wireless Aps transfer packets much like routers by examining the headers to transfer between networks and VLANs on different networks. The cost of wireless aps range from $130 to 1,000.
Wireless AP Diagram
All Devices Working within a Network