Network Components
- Created by: Maryam Khan
- Created on: 19-01-14 14:24
Switches
- Connects devices in a network; Cables are connected to ports; The switch is intelligent enough to know the addresses of connected nodes.
- Active data management as Data packets received by switch; examined for destination; sent to port of destination device
- Core / Backbone switch: Manages data being received by all switches
- A switch can be configured: Limiting bandwidth; QoS (Quality of Service); priority to applications – e.g. VC or VoIP ; Virtual LAN; Monitoring traffic
Hubs
These are sometimes referred to as multi-port repeaters. That is they receive data and broadcast it to all the output ports. A hub cannot screen network traffic unlike a switch. It does not know the addresses of connected nodes.
Looks physically same as a switch; Connects devices in a network
Passive as data packets are received; data packets are not examined; data packets are sent to all ports; each device has to filter unwanted data packets; More susceptible to interception; More collisions
Wireless Access Points (WAP)
- A wireless ‘hub’; Connected to main network infrastructure usually by a cable to a switch
- Wireless enabled devices can connect: laptops ; PDAs ; mobile phones
- Radio signals are sent by devices to WAP, sent from WAP on to the network OR sent as wireless signal for recipient device to receive
- Issues with hacking but can be overcome by encryption
Network Interface Card (NIC)
This a card that enables a computer to be connected to a network using a cable. It is Part of a computer Connected to motherboard and Enables network cable to be connected. Each NIC has a unique address called MAC (media access control) address, enabling it to be uniquely identified.
Wireless Network Interface Card
- Connects wirelessly to WAPs ; Can be: part of laptop circuitry; USB wireless dongle
- adaptor card to fit into PCMCIA slot on laptop or motherboard of desktop computer
- Must conform to same standard as WAP; Has a MAC address
Routers
- A communications device (can be hardware or software) which receives data and forwards it to the correct location via an appropriate route. Can be a modem as it allows an internal network to connect to the internet.
- Can be used to connect two LANs together even if they use different protocols
- Used to connect LAN to WAN; Similar to a switch but has external connection
- Stores addresses of connected devices; Used by businesses and available to home users
Repeaters
A device used to link two cable segments.…
Comments
No comments have yet been made