1. Assignment 3 Jacob Seiz

2. Hub A hub provides a central access point for a network. Through multiple I/O ports a hub can connect multiple Ethernet devices. Hubs work on the physical layer of the OSI model and are used in any situation that requires connecting multiple devices locally, although they have been largely replaced by switches. Hubs cost anywhere from $10 to $30.

3. Switch A switch is similar to a hub, except that it only broadcasts a message to the devices that need it rather than forwarding the same message to all machines on the network. Like a hub, a switch is used to connect devices on a computer network, using packet switching. The cost of a switch ranges from $20 to $50 in most cases.

4. Router A router is used in computer networks, forwarding data packets between them. Using a routing table/policy it sends data to the appropriate network. Routers are very commonly used, especially in homes and offices, transferring data between the computer and the Internet. Routers can go for as low as $20 up to $150.

5. Bridge A bridge is used to reduce data traffic on a LAN. Bridges inspect incoming data and decide to send it on or delete it. Bridges operate on the data link layer of the OSI model. Bridges would be used in LAN networks that have significant data flow from one machine to the others. Bridges cost anywhere from $20 to $40.

6. Gateway A gateway is used to connect multiple networks with different base protocols. A gateway can be software, hardware or a hybrid of both, and can operate at any level of the OSI model. The cost of a gateway can range from $20 all the way up to $900.

7. Firewall A firewall can be software or hardware that dictates incoming and outgoing network data by following an applied rule set. Firewalls may also perform basic routing functions. Firewalls are used whenever there is a network to better protect that network from harmful Internet connections. Firewalls usually come with an operating system.

8. Wireless Access Point A wireless Access Point, generally using Wi-Fi, allows for wireless devices to connect to a wired network, usually connecting a router. Wireless Access Points are particularly useful for connecting mobile devices to an already established network. Wireless Access Points vary from $15 to $90.

9. Example Diagram of all Devices Working Together