Networking devices

Network hardware devices can be complex. The purpose of the presentation is

to give the introduction to the most common devices used in a computer
network. the early computer did not use interconnecting devices. The
computers were connected by lengths of cables. The problem with this
arrangement was that you were limited in the total length of the cabling and it
was a very hard process to connected computers.
Repeaters:
A repeater is a device that operates only in the physical layer. Signals that carry
information within a network can travel a fixed distance before attenuation
endangers the integrity of the data. A repeater receives a signal and, before it
becomes too weak or corrupted, regenerates the original bit pattern. The
repeater then sends the refreshed signal. A repeater can extend the physical
length of a LAN. The location of a repeater on a link is vital.

Bridges:
A bridge is a computer networking device that builds the connection with the
other bridge networks which use the same protocol. It works at the Data Link
layer of the OSI Model and connects the different networks together and
develops communication between segments them. It connects two local-area
networks; two physical LANs into larger logical LAN or two of the same LAN that
use the same protocol.
Gateways:
A gateway is normally a computer that operates in all five layers of the Internet
or seven layers of OSI model. A gateway takes an application message, reads it,
and interprets it. This means that it can be used as a connecting device between
two internetworks that use different models. For example, a network designed
to use the OSI model can be connected to another network using the Internet
model. The gateway connecting the two systems can take a frame as it arrives
from the first system, move it up to the OSI application layer, and remove the
message.

Switches :
LAN switches are an expansion of the concept in LAN bridging, which controls
data flow, handles transmission errors, provides physical addressing, and
manages access to the physical medium. Switches provide these functions by
using various link-layers protocols. LAN switches can link four, six, ten or more
networks together. A store-and-forward switch, on the other hand, accepts and
analyses the entire packet before forwarding it to its destination.
Hubs:
A network hub is a node that broadcasts data to every computer or Ethernet-
based device connected to it. A hub is less sophisticated than a switch, the latter
of which can isolate data transmissions to specific devices.
It is best for small and simple local area network environments.
It may be
Passive: simply serve as a point of connectivity.
Active: strengthen the incoming transmission.
Routers:
Routers are the most complex devices, Hubs and switches connect computers
to the LAN routers connect LANs to one another. Routers typically have two or
more network port to which switches or hubs are connected to form an inter
network routers enable multiple LANs to communicate with one another by
forwarding packets from one LAN to another. they also forward packets from
one router to another when LANs are separated by multiple routers.