Network Components

David Blakeley

LTEC 4550

HUB

• A common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. A hub contains multiple ports. When apacket arrives at one port, it is copied to the other ports so that all segments of the LAN can see all packets.

• The range of cost for this device is $15 - $20,000

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SWITCH

• A network switch is a small hardware device that joins multiple computers together within one local area network (LAN).

• Network switches work by When a switch is installed into a network, it allows all the devices on the network--including printers, computers, hubs and any other equipment--to communicate with one another. Switches are often important, especially in home networks, as they are a key component in allowing connected machines to exchange mail and messages with one another, and allow client computers to store files on a file server.

• Prices range $9 - $79,000

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ROUTER

• A router is a device that joins networks together and routes traffic between them. A router will have at least two network cards (NICs), one physically connected to one network and the other physically connected to another network. A router can connect any number of networks together providing it has a dedicated NIC for each network.

• Routers are used to route packets of data from the internet.

ROUTER cont.

• Router prices range from $15 - $338

BRIDGE

• An Ethernet network bridge is a device which connects two different local area networks together. Both networks must connect using the same Ethernet protocol. Bridges can also be used to add remote computers to a LAN. Many bridges can connect multiple computers or other compatible devices with or without wires.

• Prices range from $19.95 - $4,600

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GATEWAY

• A network gateway is an internetworking system capable of joining together two networks that use different base protocols. A network gateway can be implemented completely in software, completely in hardware, or as a combination of both. Depending on the types of protocols they support, network gateways can operate at any level of the OSI model.

• Because a network gateway, by definition, appears at the edge of a network, related capabilities like firewalls tend to be integrated with it. On home networks, a broadband router typically serves as the network gateway although ordinary computers can also be configured to perform equivalent functions.

• Prices range from $10 - $16,000

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FIREWALL

• A firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. You can implement a firewall in either hardware or software form, or a combination of both. Firewalls prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet (i.e., the local network to which you are connected) must pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.

• Firewalls range in price from $80 - $25,600

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WIRELESS ACCESS POINT

• Wireless access points (APs or WAPs) are specially configured nodes on wireless local area networks (WLANs). Access points act as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals.

• Access points used in home or small business networks are generally small, dedicated hardware devices featuring a built-in network adapter, antenna, and radio transmitter. Access points support Wi-Fi wireless communication standards.

• Prices range from $13 - $9,300

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