Networking ComponentsRaymond C. Banks

LTEC 4550October 12, 2013

Hub• Networking device that allows a single

broadcast of data across all ports connected (All devices receive the same data of traffic)

• Can be used in multiple functions – office, home and gaming environment

• Depending on class, relatively inexpensive - $20-150

Switch• Layer 2 (Data Link) device that connects

multiple devices to a single network. Unlike a hub, each device on the switched network receives data only intended for it by relay of unique identifiers, commonly known as a Media Access Control address

• Can be used in multiple functions – office, home and gaming environment

• Depending on class, pricing can vary from $50-$2000+

Router• Layer 3 (Network) device that routes data

(or packets) and serves as a multi-purpose switch, providing switch traffic to multiple networks (VLAN’s).

• Primarily used in large offices. • Depending on brand, pricing can vary

from $800-$4000+

Bridge• Layer 2 (Data Link) device that

determines what to do with packets.• Typically used to expand signal beyond

the traditional one-cable ethernet rule or beyond the limitations of a single node wireless router.

• Primarily used on a consumer level and in some small businesses.

• Depending on brand, pricing can vary from $40-$250

Gateway• Used to join devices on multiple

networks through hardware and/or software, this device operates at all levels of the OSI model.

• Known as the “edge” of a network, it is common to find firewalls on the edge to block certain traffic from entering.

• Can be used in multiple functions – large offices, small businesses and homes.

• Depending on class, pricing can vary from $50-$1,500.

Firewall• Operates on Layer 4 (Transport) and

Layer 7 (Application) used to filter traffic from the “edge” of a network.

• Common rule is to block all with exceptions.

• Can be used in multiple functions – large offices, small businesses and homes.

• Some firewalls are free (software)• Some firewalls costs (Depending on

brand, class, etc.) from $50-$2,000+

Wireless Access Point• Operates as Layer 1 (Physical) to provide

wireless signal • Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) to link

wireless to wired network.• Can be used in multiple functions – large

offices, small businesses and homes.• Costs are relatively inexpensive ($50-

$200)

Diagram

Verizon FiOS RouterSwitchBridge

Cisco RV110W Wireless Firewall

WANVerizon FiOS

WANLevel 3 Communications

CampusFirewallCampus

Gateway