1. CIS 1140 Network Fundamentals
Chapter 6 – Network Hardware
Collected and Compiled
By JD Willard
MCSE, MCSA, Network+,
Microsoft IT Academy Administrator
Computer Information Systems Instructor
Albany Technical College

2. Attention: Accessing Demos
This course presents many demos.
The Demos require that you be logged in to the Virtual Technical College web site when you click on them to run.
To access and log in to the Virtual Technical College web site:
To access the site type in the url window
Log in using the username: CIS 1140 or ATCStudent1
Enter the password: student (case sensitive)
If you should click on the demo link and you get an Access Denied it is because you have not logged in to vtc.com or you need to log out and log back in.
If you should click on the demo link and you are taken to the VTC.com web site page you should do a search in the search box for the CompTIA Network+ (2009 Objectives) Course and run the video from within that page.

3. Objectives Identify the functions of LAN connectivity hardware
Install, configure, and differentiate between network devices such as, NICs, hubs, bridges, switches, routers, and gateways
Explain the advanced features of a switch and understand popular switching techniques, including VLAN management
Explain the purposes and properties of routing
Describe common IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols
Network Devices Overview Demo
Network Hardware Overview Demo

4. NICs (Network Interface Cards)
Connectivity devices
Enable device transmission
Transceiver
Transmits and receives data
Physical layer and Data Link layer functions
Issue data signals
Assemble and disassemble data frames
Interpret physical addressing information
Determine right to transmit data
Smart hardware
Prioritization
Network management
Buffering
Traffic-filtering
Do not analyze information
Added by Layers 3 through 7 OSI model protocols
Importance
Common to every networking device, network
Network Adapter Overview Demo
What Is a NIC Demo
Properties of Network Adapter Cards Demo

5. Types of NICs Before ordering or installing NIC NIC dependencies
Know device interface type
NIC dependencies
Access method
Network transmission speed
Connector interfaces
Compatible motherboard or device type
Manufacturer
Support for enhanced features

6. Types of NICs (cont’d.) Bus Expansion slots
Circuit, signaling pathway
Motherboard uses to transmit data to computer’s components
Memory, processor, hard disk, NIC
Differ according to capacity
Defined by data path width and clock speed
Data path size
Parallel bits transmitting at any given time
Proportional to attached device’s speed
Expansion slots
Multiple electrical contacts on motherboard
Allow bus expansion
Expansion card (expansion board)
Circuit board for additional devices
Inserts into expansion slot, establishes electrical connection
Device connects to computer’s main circuit or bus
Computer centrally controls device

7. Types of NICs (cont’d.) Multiple bus types
PCIe bus: most popular expansion board NIC
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
32-bit bus
Maximum data transfer rate: 1 Gbps
Introduced in 2004
Determining bus type
Read documentation
Look inside PC case
If more than one expansion slot type:
Refer to NIC, PC manufacturers’ guidelines
Choose NIC matching most modern bus
PCIe expansion board NIC

8. Types of NICs (cont’d.) Peripheral NICs Attached externally
Simple installation into a variety of slots
PCMCIA
USB
CompactFlash
FireWire
Installing and configuring software may be required
A USB NIC

9. Types of NICs (cont’d.) On-Board NICs New computers, laptops
Connect device directly to motherboard
On-board ports: mouse, keyboard
New computers, laptops
Use onboard NICs integrated into motherboard
Advantages
Saves space
Frees expansion slots
Motherboard with on-board NICs

10. Installing and Configuring NICs
Installing NIC hardware
Read manufacturer’s documentation
Install expansion card NIC
Gather needed tools
Unplug computer, peripherals, and network cable
Ground yourself
Open computer case
Select slot, insert NIC, attach bracket, verify cables
Replace cover, turn on computer
Configure NIC software
A properly inserted expansion board NIC

11. Installing and Configuring NICs (cont’d.)
Installing and configuring NIC software
Device driver
Software enabling device to communicate with operating system
Purchased computer with a peripheral
Drivers installed
Add hardware to computer
Must install drivers
Operating system built-in drivers
Automatically recognize hardware, install drivers
Drivers not available from operating system
Install and configure NIC software
Available at manufacturer’s Web site
Verifying NIC functionality
Check whether device can communicate with network
Diagnostic tools
Use manufacturer’s configuration utility
Loopback plug needed
Visual inspection of LEDs
Read manufacturer’s documentation
Use simple commands
Example: pinging the loopback address

12. Interpreting LED Indicators
NICs may have one or more of following lights:
ACT: if blinking, indicates that NIC is either transmitting or receiving data
If solid, heavy network traffic volume
LNK: if lit, NIC is functional
In some models, if blinking, NIC detects network but cannot communicate with it
TX: if blinking, NIC is functional and transmitting frames
RX: if blinking, NIC is functional and receiving frames
Troubleshooting Network Adapters Demo

13. Modular Interfaces Hot-swappable components
Can be changed without disrupting operations
GBIC (Gigabit interface converter)
Standard type of modular interface
Commonly used with Gigabit Ethernet and fiber channel in the 1990s
May contain RJ-45 or fiber-optic cable ports
SFPs (small form-factor pluggable)
Provide same form factor as GBIC
Allow more ports per inch
It interfaces a network device mother board (for a switch, router, media converter or similar device) to a fiber optic or copper networking cable
Announced in 2001, it largely made the GBIC obsolete
GBIC (Gigabit interface converter) with an RJ-45 port
SFP (small form-factor pluggable) transceiver for use with fiber connections

14. Connectivity Devices Overview
In considering a network expansion solution, it is important to identify the connectivity problems you need to resolve, and then identify the device that is best suited for that situation.
Selecting Connectivity Devices Demo
Device
Characteristics
Router
Choose a router if you need to:
Filter broadcast traffic to prevent broadcast storms
Reduce the number of devices within a broadcast domain (effectively increasing the number of broadcast domains)
Enforce network security
Switch
Choose a switch if you need to:
Provide guaranteed bandwidth between devices
Reduce collisions by decreasing the number of devices in a collision domain (effectively creating multiple collision domains)
Reduce the number of devices within a broadcast domain (creating multiple broadcast domains on a switch is done by using virtual LANs (VLANs))
Implement full-duplex communication
Bridge
Choose a bridge if you need to:
Isolate data traffic to one network segment
Link unlike physical media (e.g. twisted pair and coaxial Ethernet) of the same architecture type

15. Collision Domains vs. Broadcast Domains
Network or subnetwork where devices share the same transmission medium and where packets can collide
Collisions increase as the number of devices in a collision domain increase.
Broadcast domain
Network or subnetwork where computers can receive frame-level broadcasts from their neighbors.
Increasing devices on a network segment increases broadcast traffic on a segment
Collision Domains Demo
Broadcast Domains Demo
Device
Collision Domain
Broadcast Domain
Hub
All devices connected to the hub are in the same collision domain.
All devices are in the same broadcast domain.
Bridge or Switch
All devices connected to a single port are in the same collision domain (each port is its own collision domain).
All devices connected to the bridge or the switch are in the same broadcast domain.
Router
All devices connected to a single interface are in the same collision domain.
All devices accessible through an interface (network) are in the same broadcast domain. Each interface represents its own broadcast domain if the router is configured to not forward broadcast packets.
Collision Domains and Broadcast Domains (7:00)

16. Repeaters and Hubs Repeaters Operate in Physical OSI model layer
One input port, one output port
No means to interpret data
Regenerate signal
Suitable for bus topology networks
Extend network inexpensively
Repeaters/Hubs Demo

17. Repeaters and Hubs Hub Repeater with more than one output port
Typically contains multiple data ports
Patch cables connect printers, servers, and workstations
Most contain uplink port
Operates at Physical layer
Star or star-based hybrid topology
Devices share bandwidth, collision domain, broadcast domain
Hubs Demo

18. Hubs and repeaters are fairly simple, 'non-intelligent' devices: whatever comes in on one port, gets amplified and send out to ALL other ports, so any network transmission 'fills up/flows into' ALL cable-segments of the network, so only ONE network connection can be active at a time on the complete network!
When multiple system try to communicate at the same time then the signals 'collide'/corrupt each other, making them invalid, time has been wasted and the system will try after a random delay again to transmit, resulting in network slowdown.

19. Hubs in a network design

20. Bridges Devices that connect two network segments
Analyze incoming frames
Make decisions on where to direct them based on frame’s MAC address
Operate at Data Link OSI model layer
Single input and single output ports
Protocol independent

21. A bridge’s use of a filtering database
Bridges (cont’d.)
Filtering database (forwarding table)
Contains known MAC addresses and network locations
Used in decision making
Filter or forward
New bridge installation
Learn network
Discover destination packet addresses
Record in filtering database
Destination node’s MAC address
Associated port
All network nodes discovered over time
Bridge separates one large collision domain and one broadcast domain into two collision domains and one broadcast domain. The bridge will provide full bandwidth to each port
Today bridges nearly extinct
Improved router and switch speed, functionality and lower costs
A bridge’s use of a filtering database
Bridges Demo
Bridges/Switches Demo

22. Switches Connectivity devices that subdivide a network
Segments
Traditional switches
Operate at Data Link OSI model layer
Modern switches
Can operate at Layer 3 or Layer 4
Protocol ignorant
Switches interpret MAC address information
Common switch components
Internal processor, operating system, memory, ports
Switches Demo

23. A switch on a small network
Switch Installation
Follow manufacturer’s guidelines
General steps (assume Cat 5 or better UTP)
Verify switch placement
Turn on switch
Verify lights, self power tests
Configure (if necessary)
Connect NIC to a switch port (repeat for all nodes)
After all nodes connected, turn on nodes
Connect switch to larger network (optional)
A switch on a small network

24. Switching Methods Difference in switches Four switching modes exist
Incoming frames interpretation
Frame forwarding decisions making
Four switching modes exist
Two basic methods discussed
Cut-through mode
Store-and-forward mode

25. Switching Methods (cont’d.)
Cut-through mode
Switch reads frame’s header
Forwarding decision made before receiving entire packet
Uses frame header: first 14 bytes contains destination MAC address
Cannot verify data integrity using frame check sequence
Can detect erroneously shortened packets (runts)
Runt detected: wait for integrity check
Cannot detect corrupt packets
Advantage: speed
Disadvantage
Data buffering (switch flooded with traffic)
Best use
Small workgroups needing speed
Low number of devices

26. Switching Methods (cont’d.)
Store-and-forward mode
Switch reads entire data frame into memory
Checks for accuracy before transmitting information
Transmit data more accurately than cut-through mode
Slower than cut-through mode
Best uses
Larger LAN environments; mixed environments
Can transfer data between segments running different transmission speeds

27. VLANs and Trunking VLANs (virtual local area networks)
Logically separate networks within networks
Groups ports into broadcast domain
Broadcast domain
Port combination making a Layer 2 segment
Ports rely on Layer 2 device to forward broadcast frames
Collision domain
Ports in same broadcast domain
Do not share single channel
A simple VLAN design
VLANs (4:08)
Configuring VLANs (3:50)

28. VLANs and Trunking (cont’d.)
Advantage of VLANs
Flexible
Ports from multiple switches or segments
Use any end node type
Reasons for using VLAN
Separating user groups
Isolating connections
Identifying priority device groups
Grouping legacy protocol devices
Separating large network into smaller subnets
Potential problem
Cutting off group from rest of network
Correct by using router or Layer 3 switch
Trunking
Switch’s interface carries traffic of multiple VLANs
Trunk
Single physical connection between switches
VLAN data separation
Frame contains VLAN identifier in header

29. VLANs and Trunking (cont’d.)
Switch typically preconfigured
One default VLAN
Cannot be deleted or renamed
Create additional VLANs
Indicate to which VLAN each port belongs
Additional specifications
Security parameters, filtering instructions, port performance requirements, network addressing and management options
Maintain VLAN using switch software
Trunk for multiple VLANs
Understanding VLANs Demo

30. STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)
IEEE standard 802.1D
Operates in Data Link layer
Prevents traffic loops
Calculating paths avoiding potential loops
Artificially blocking links completing loop
Three steps
Select root bridge based on Bridge ID
Examine possible paths between network bridge and root bridge
Disables links not part of shortest path
Enterprise-wide switched network
Purpose of STP Demo
Election of a Root Bridge Demo
Bridge Protocol Data Units & Port States Demo
Spanning Tree Protocol (6:00)

31. STP-selected paths on a switched network
STP (cont’d.)
History
Introduced in 1980s
Original STP too slow
RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol)
Newer version
IEEE’s 802.1w standard
Cisco and Extreme Networks
Proprietary versions
No enabling or configuration needed
Included in switch operating software
STP-selected paths on a switched network

32. Content and Multilayer Switches
Layer 3 switch (routing switch)
Interprets Layer 3 data
Layer 4 switch
Interprets Layer 4 data
Content switch (application switch)
Interprets Layer 4 through Layer 7 data
Advantages
Advanced filtering
Keeping statistics
Security functions
Distinguishing between Layer 3 and Layer 4 switch
Manufacturer dependent
Higher-layer switches
Cost more than Layer 2 switches
Used in network backbone
Multi-Layer Switching Demo
Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches (2:33)

33. ROUTERS
Routers
Understanding Routing Demo

34. Routers Multiport connectivity device
Directs data between network nodes
Integrates LANs and WANs
Different transmission speeds, protocols
Operate at Network layer (Layer 3)
Directs data from one segment or network to another
Logical addressing
Protocol dependent
Slower than switches and bridges
Need to interpret Layers 3 and higher information
Traditional stand-alone LAN routers
Being replaced by Layer 3 routing switches
New niche
Specialized applications
Linking large Internet nodes
Completing digitized telephone calls
Routers Demo

35. Router Characteristics and Functions
Intelligence
Tracks node location
Determine shortest, fastest path between two nodes
Connects dissimilar network types
Large LANs and WANs
Routers indispensable
Router components
Internal processor, operating system, memory, input and output jacks, management control interface
Multiprotocol routers
Multiple slots
Accommodate multiple network interfaces
Inexpensive routers
Home, small office use

36. Router Characteristics and Functions (cont’d.)
Router capabilities
Connect dissimilar networks
Interpret Layer 3 addressing
Determine best data path
Reroute traffic
Optional router functions
Filter broadcast transmissions
Enable custom segregation, security
Support simultaneous connectivity
Provide fault tolerance
Monitor network traffic
Diagnose problems and trigger alarms
Routers separate collision domains and broadcast domains. Think of each port of the router as a separate collision domain and a separate broadcast domain
Routing Defined Demo
Broadcast Domain Devices Demo

37. Router Placement Interior router Directs data between nodes on a LAN
Exterior router
Directs data between nodes external to a LAN
Border routers
Connect autonomous LAN with a WAN
Routing tables
Identify which routers serve which hosts
Exterior Routers
Interior Routers
Border Router
Installation
Simple for small office or home office LANs
Web-based configuration
Challenging for sizable networks

38. Static vs. Dynamic Routing
Static and Dynamic Routing (4:18)
Method
Description
Static
Static routing requires that entries in the routing table be configured manually.
Network entries remain in the routing table until manually removed.
When changes to the network occur, static entries must be modified, added, or removed.
Dynamic
Routers can dynamically learn about networks by sharing routing information with other routers. The routing protocol defines how routers communicate with each other to share and learn about other networks. The routing protocol determines:
The information contained in the routing table
How messages are routed from one network to another
How topology changes (i.e. updates to the routing table) are communicated between routers
Use a routing protocol to allow a router to automatically learn about other networks. The routing protocol generates some network traffic for the process of sharing routes, but has the advantage of being dynamic and automatic (i.e. changes in the network are propagated automatically to other routers).
Dynamic Routing Demo

39. Routing Protocols Best path Routing metric factors
Most efficient route from one node to another
Dependent on:
Hops between nodes (number of routers between the source and the destination network)
Current network activity
Unavailable link
Network transmission speed
Topology
Determined by routing protocol
Routing metric factors
Number of hops
Throughput on potential path
Delay on a potential path
Load (traffic)
Maximum transmission unit (MTU)
Cost
Reliability of potential path
Router convergence time
Time router takes to recognize best path
Change or network outage event
Distinguishing feature
Overhead; burden on network to support routing protocol
Link State, Distance Vector, and Hybrid Routing Protocols (5:38)
Link State or Distance Vector Demo
Routing Metrics (3:50)
Next Hop (7:36)
Routing Tables Demo
Convergence (3:13)

40. Routing Protocols (cont’d.)
Distance-vector routing protocols
Determine best route based on distance to destination
Factors
Hops, latency, network traffic conditions
RIP (Routing Information Protocol)
Only factors in number of hops between nodes
Limits 15 hops
Type of IGP (Interior Gateway Protocol)
Can only route within internal network
Slower and less secure than other routing protocols
RIPv2 (Routing Information Protocol Version 2)
Generates less broadcast traffic, more secure
Cannot exceed 15 hops
Less commonly used
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
Communicates using BGP-specific messages
Many factors determine best paths
Configurable to follow policies
Type of EGP (Exterior Gateway Protocol)
Most complex (choice for Internet traffic)
Distance Vector Protocols Demo
RIP (2:21)

41. Routing Protocols (cont’d.)
Link-state routing protocol
Routers share information
Each router independently maps network, determines best path
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
Interior or border router use
No hop limit
Complex algorithm for determining best paths
Each OSPF router
Maintains database containing other routers’ links
IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System)
Codified by ISO
Interior routers only
Supports two Layer 3 protocols IP
ISO-specific protocol
Less common than OSPF
Link State Protocols Demo
OSPF (2:40)

42. Routing Protocols (cont’d.)
Hybrid
Link-state and distance-vector characteristics
EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)
Most popular
Cisco network routers only
EIGRP benefits
Fast convergence time, low network overhead
Easier to configure and less CPU-intensive than OSPF
Supports multiple protocols
Accommodates very large, heterogeneous networks
Hybrid Routing Protocols Demo
EIGRP (2:53)

43. Routing Protocols (cont’d.)
Summary of common routing protocols

44. Gateways and Other Multifunction Devices
Combinations of networking hardware and software
Connecting two dissimilar networks
Connect two systems using different formatting, communications protocols, architecture
Repackages information
Reside on servers, microcomputers, connectivity devices, mainframes
Popular gateways
gateway, Internet gateway, LAN gateway, Voice/data gateway, Firewall

47. Summary Network adapter types vary
Access method, transmission speed, connector interfaces, number of ports, manufacturer, device type
Repeaters
Regenerate digital signal
Bridges can interpret the data they retransmit
Switches subdivide a network
Generally secure
Create VLANs
Various routing protocols exist

48. The End