Networking Devices

Networking devices:

Node: 

Each and every device available on a network is called a node. Every node on a network has a unique MAC address.

Host: 

All the computers available on the network are called hosts. Hosts are also known as nodes.

Note: every host is a node, but not every node is a host.

Hub: 

• Hub is a networking device for connecting multiple computers together and making them act as a single network. 
• The hub broadcasts the signal to the computer to connect to it. 
• It works at the physical layer of the OSI model.
• Hub are of two type:

1) Active hub 

2) Passive hub

1) Active hub: It regenerates the faded signal and requires a power supply.

2) Passive hub: It does not regenerate the faded signal and does not require a power supply.

Switch: 

• A switch also connects computers to teach others like a hub but a network switch forwards data only to one or multiple devices that need to receive it.
• Switch establishes a direct connection between sender and receiver. 
• It works on the data link layer of the OSI model.
• It is also to be noted that a switch is a secure device because it sends information only to the desired destination.

Difference between hub and switch:

Bridge: 

• A bridge is a network device that is used for connecting two LAN’s and allows computers to access resources. 
• They can also be used to divide large networks into smaller segments.
• Bridges are devices that can transmit data between two LAN’s. 
• They also filter data and keep the traffic separate for each segment .
• The bridge operates at both the physical layer and data link layer of the OSI model. 
• It is full duplex.

Gateway: 

• A gateway is a device used to connect dissimilar networks using different protocols.
• It is also called protocol converter, that converts data packets from one format to another.
• A gateway is necessary when there are different technologies implemented by the different networks which are to be connected together.
• Ex: Network in New york and network in Delhi that are differ from each other.

Router: 

• Routers are devices containing software that helps in determining the best path out of available paths for a particular transmission. 
• It forwards data packets between networks.
• Routers perform “Traffic directing “ functions on the internet. 
• It works on the network layer of the OSI model.

Repeater: 

• Repeaters are necessary since during the transmission of the signal over long distances. 
• It is a network device which can boost up the weak signals. 
• When the signal travels in the network after travelling some distance the intensity of the signal becomes low.
• In order to regenerate the weak signal we should use a repeater device.

Modem: 

• A modem is a networking device that allows you to connect and communicate with other computers via telephone lines. 
• When digital signals are to be sent over telephone lines, it must be converted into analog form, this process is called modulation.
• The reverse process, the conversion of analog signal into digital form is called demodulation.
• The process of modulation and demodulation is carried out by a special device called modem.