Networking Components Assignment 3 Corbin Watkins

Hub What is it: A central connection point that uses star topology. A signal is transmitted to the hub, the hub then transmits the signal to ALL other computers When: Since using a hub requires sharing bandwidth with all computers connected, it is best used when few computers are needed to be connected. Where: Ex.) A small business with multiple cash registers and/or computers How does it work: Hubs are unsophisticated devices compared to switches. It works by receiving bits from one port and repeating those ports over all other ports. Cost: $25 - $400

Switch What is it: A central connection point that closely relates a hub. The difference is instead of sending the bits to all other computers connected, a switch examines the destination address (MAC address) and transmits the packet to the destination computer ONLY. When: Since using a switch means each computer can use the maximum amount of bandwidth, most big networks that send a lot of data will choose switches over other network components. Where: Ex.) A large corporate building with thousands of computers How does it work: Switches look at the header of incoming packets for a MAC address. MAC addresses are unique to all network devices so the switch is able to send the packet to the destination computer(s) only. Cost: $ $25000

Internet Router What is it: A routers function is to forward packets across different networks. When: When you are in need of sending packets outside your own network (ie the Internet) Where: Pretty much every business needs to have access to the Internet, therefore probably need some sort of router. How does it work: Routers contain routing tables which contain IP addresses of other network routers. When a router receives a packet, it looks at the destination address and checks the routing table in order to forward it. It will normally choose the shortest and most reliable path to send packets through. Cost: $25 - $5000

Bridge What is it: A device that filters data traffic at a network boundary. When: When you want to reduce the amount of traffic in a LAN. Where: Any workplace might want to use a bridge to help control the amount of traffic traveling through the LAN How does it work: Bridges inspect incoming traffic and decide whether to forward or discard it. Ex. Ethernet Bridge inspects each incoming Ethernet frame in order to make forwarding decisions Cost: $30 - $500

Gateway What is it: A node in a computer network, a key stopping point for data on its way to or from other networks When: Gateways are used anytime you are connected to an outside network (ie. Internet) Where: Unless you have only a personal network, a gateway will be used as a front to connect to other networks. Pretty much every business and home has a gateway (ie. Modems, Servers, Router) How does it work: A gateway works much like a router, in fact, a lot of times it is a router. A gateway is just the first stopping point for bits to be read and evaluated. Cost: $25 - $5000 Network ANetwork B

Firewall What is it: Basically a barrier to keep destructive forces away from your computer. Its software that filters the information coming through the Internet into your home connection When: Everyone should use a firewall in order to have more security and to protect their belongings Where: Most corporate buildings and home networks already have built in firewalls How does it work: Firewalls work simply by filtering data. They use one or more of three methods to control traffic: o Packet filtering: Packets are analyzed against a set of filters. If they pass the filters then they are sent through o Proxy service: Information from the Internet is retrieved from the firewall and then sent to the requesting system and vice versa o Stateful inspection: Compares certain key parts of packets to a trusted database. If there is a reasonable match, the information is allowed through

Wireless AP What is it: A device that allows wireless devices (Wi-Fi) to connect to wired networks. When: If the user has many devices with wireless capabilities and their router does not have a built in AP. Where: Any residential home that may contain multiple computer, smart TVs, or smart phones. How does it work: The AP gathers all incoming wireless signals connected to it and transmits them through the wired network to the router. Cost: $25 - $5000

Hub Switch Network A Router/ Gateway/ WAP Firewall Bridge Example of All Devices