NETWORKING COMPONENTS A-3LTEC 4550

by

Joe Garcia

HUBDescription A small (layer 1) device that joins multiple computers or

devices together to form a single network or segment on a LAN .

Broadcast layer 2 packets with optional amplification (dumb switch).

Type of hubs include passive, active and intelligent.

Cost Small USB hubs $20-$40.

SWITCHDescription A switch connects multiple devices and segments on a LAN

with better management tools than a Hub. Similar to a hub except with more intelligence and operates at

layer 2 or 3 for rapid and efficient packet routing. Provides network segment creation and control to limit access

to various parts of the network.

Cost Mini 8 port Gigabit switches $20-$60. Business class switches $400-$3500 (depending on

configuration).

ROUTERDescription Provides connections to offsite networks (WANs) such as

Internet or other remote site. Provides traffic filtering, bandwidth management and failure

link failure re-route. Operates at Layer 3, have their own OS and support several

WAN protocols such as ISDN, Frame Relay, and ATM.

Cost Business class routers $500-$5000 (depending on

configuration).

BRIDGEDescription Filters data traffic on the LAN at Layer 2 reducing the amount

of traffic, reducing collisions. Inspect each MAC address and decide to forward or discard it,

including source and destination for individual forwarding decisions.

Connects multiple LAN segment to each other.

Cost Business class bridges $400-$3500 (depending on

configuration).

GATEWAYDescription A network gateway’s main purpose is to join networks that use

different base protocols and can be implemented by strictly software or hardware.

Some example gateways can be VoIP gateways, or even DSL to Ethernet gateways such as those at your home.

Cost $100-$20,500 (depending on configuration).

FIREWALLDescription Provides network protection from intentional intrusion, can be

either hardware or software based. Operates at Layer 3 and up of the OSI model.

Inspects packets and allows or blocks packets based on set rules creating a choke point of control and monitoring.

Some features include: port control, network address translation, application monitoring, packet filtering, data encryption, e-mail protection, pop-up blocking, cookie digestion and spyware protection.

Cost Software firewall $40-$75, hardware $600-$17,000

Software

Hardware

WIRELESS ACCESS POINT (WAP)Description Acts as a transmitter/receiver for wireless radio signals such as

Wi-Fi to provide access to the Internet. Provides infrastructure connection between the wireless local

network and the wired Ethernet network. Provides Internet connectivity using external or built-in DSL,

cable or cellular uplink capabilities.

Cost $150-$2500 (depending on configuration).

TOTAL NETWORK DIAGRAM