Computer
Networking
Devices
Dr. Permanand Soothar
What is a network device?
• Components used to connect computers as well as
other electrical devices together in order to share
resources such as printers and fax machines.
Devices used in
Networking
• The different devices or components used in
networking include:
• Hubs
• Switches
• Routers
• Wireless AP (Access Points)
What is a Hub?
• A small rectangular box that joins computers together
through ports on the back of the hub.
• Picture of a 4 – Port Ethernet Hub (below)
• Hub works at layer of OSI model.
• The OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection Model) is
a conceptual framework used to describe the functions
of a networking system.
Ethernet hub – Wikipedia. [online image]. Available en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet hub
How does a Hub work?
• A hub receives data packets and passes on all the
Information it receives to all the other computers
connected to the hub.
• Unlike a network switch or router, a network hub has
no routing tables or intelligence on where to send
information and broadcasts all network data across
each connection.
• Example: if computer 1 wants to communicate with
computer 3, the data will be sent to all the
computers on the network since hubs do not know
the destination of the information it receives.
Diagram of a hub network
Main PC
Hub Ethernet PC 1
PC 2
Working of a hub network
Additional Information about
Hubs
• Hub support half duplex communication.
• Hub has 1 broadcast domain and one collision domain.
➢ In a collision domain, the information sent from one device could
collide with the information sent from another.
➢ In a broadcast domain, the information sent to one device is kept
separate from the information sent to another.
• Most hubs contain 4 ports some have 5 or more ports.
• Hubs can be used for a smaller network such as a home
network or a small office network.
• Hubs are not that expensive most range for less than $30.
• Hubs may not be the best option for sophisticated or complex
networks.
What is a Switch?
• Switches look similar to hubs in that they are
rectangular in shape. Manageable switches are
usually a little bigger than unmanageable switches.
A switch also has ports on the back.
Network switch – net gear.[online image]. Available http://www.senasum.blogspot.com, July 9, 2013
How does a Switch work?
• Switches work about the same way as hubs. Unlike
hubs, switches can identify the destination of a
frame.
• Switches send information only to the computer
that is supposed to receive the information.
• Switches can also send and retrieve information at
the same time which makes sending information
faster to retrieve than hubs.
Diagram of a Switch
Network
Switch Diagram. LindyConnectionPerfection.[online image]. Available http://www.lindy-international.com, July 9, 2013
Working of Switch
Switch Diagram. LindyConnectionPerfection.[online image]. Available http://www.lindy-international.com, July 9, 2013
Working of Switch
Switch Diagram. LindyConnectionPerfection.[online image]. Available http://www.lindy-international.com, July 9, 2013
Working of Switch
Switch Diagram. LindyConnectionPerfection.[online image]. Available http://www.lindy-international.com, July 9, 2013
Additional Information
about Switches
• Switches are a better option than hubs for larger
networks or home networks with 4 or more
connected computers.
• Switches can range in price from $30 up to $100 or
more depending on if the switch is manageable or
unmanageable, usually unmanageable switches
are less in price versus managed switches.
What is a Router?
• A specialized computer programmed to interface
between different networks.
• .
How does a Router work?
• A router receives data from the user.
• Looks for the remote address of the other computer
making routing decisions along the way
• Forwards the user data out to a different interface
that is closer to the remote computer
Diagram of a Router
Working of a Router
Additional Information
about Routers
• Routers make sure data sent over the Internet goes
where it needs to go and not where it is not
needed.
• Acts like a traffic controller, working to cut down
congestion throughout the network and keeps
everything flowing smoothly along the best path.
• Routers are the only type of equipment that looks at
every single packet passing by on the network.
What is a Wireless Access
Point?
• A small hardware device featuring built-in network
adapter, antenna, and radio signals.
• Configured nodes on a WLAN.
• Wireless Access Points, Page 2. [online image]. Available compnetworking.about.com
How a Wireless Access
Point works?
• Operates using radio frequency technology
• Broadcast wireless signals computers can detect
and use
• A wireless network adapter is implemented while
using a wireless access point, most computers
today already have network adapters built into the
computer.
Diagram of Wireless
Access Point
RxNT – The eprescribing System. [online image]. Available www.rxnt.com
Additional Information
about Access Points
• The access point usually connects to the router
• A hotspot is a application wireless users can
connect to the Internet.
• Aps are used throughout a home network, usually
through only one AP.
• Wireless access points can cost anywhere from $30
and up depending on the type purchased.
