Mumbai University > Information Technology > Sem4 > Computer Networks

Marks: 5M

Year: May 18

1.SWITCH

A network switch is a computer networking device that connects network segments.

Network switches appear nearly identical to network hubs, but a switch contains more "intelligence" than a network hub.

Network switches are capable of inspecting data packets as they are received, determining the source and destination device of that packet, and forwarding it appropriately.

By delivering each message only to the connected device it was intended for, a network switch conserves network bandwidth and offers generally better performance than a hub.

Switches differ from hubs in that they can have ports of different speed.

2.HUBS

It is used to connect several computers together.

•A network device the information flow is accumulated and then distributed to various groups and users.

•It can be between users on the same LAN and users on different LANs.

•It is often used in Star or Ring topology.

3.ROUTER

•A router is a computer whose software and hardware are usually tailored to the tasks of routing and forwarding.

•This device routes the information packet between two or more physically or logically connected networks.

•It is different from Bridge as this uses logical address while bridge uses physical address.

4. BRIDGE

•It is a device that lets you link two same networks together

. •Same networks mean networks with same protocol.

5.REPEATER

•It is a device that amplifies and restores the power of a signal being transmitted on the network.

•It is used in long network lines.

6. GATEWAY

•This device usually a server is used to communicate between dissimilar networks i.e. networks with different protocols. e.g. to connect a LAN with Novell Netware with another LAN with Microsoft NT.

• In enterprises, the gateway is the computer that routes the traffic from the workstation to the outside world. •In homes, the gateway is the ISP that connects the user to the Internet.