Network Components

Network Components

1. Hardware Components

   • End-User Devices
     • User-side devices on the network. Example: PC's, Mobile Devices
     • Features: Wireless Connectivity and Bluetooth (Phones), Ethernet Ports (Computers), Wireless Dongles, Wi-Fi capabilities
   • Connectivity Devices - connects different hardware components to a network to transmit data.
     • Switches
       • Creates LAN connecting devices, (PC's/Printer) - Ethernet Cable
         • Manages data through network by redirecting data packets to proper destination
     • Routers
       • Creates two or more networks
         • Routers connected to outside WAN. Internet provided by ISP. Internal LAN. Routers located between networks. Data packets can be sent across.
     • Access Points
       • Creates LAN by connecting devices through WiFi
         • Can be connected to switch or router, allows devices to connect to network wirelessly.
     • Multifunctional Devices
       • More than one function
         • Switches, Routers, Models
     • USB Hubs
       • Connects multiple USB devices
         • Connected to end-user device - Some with Ethernet connectivity, share devices over a network
     • Modems
       • Communication over different connection media (Ethernet)
         • Used to connect to the internet (ISP) - phone line Router can connect LAN to Modem - internet access for devices
   • Connectivity Devices
     • Wired
       • Ethernet
         • Connects to most hardware in LAN
           • Form of UTP/STP - 10X faster up to 164 ft
           • types: Cat5e / Cat6
       • Fibre Optic
         • Mostly used in WAN - centre of telecommunications network - Also SAN
           • Made of reflective fibres. Transmits data through light.
     • Wireless
       • Wi-Fi
         • Used often in LAN
           • Ethernet cables connect wirelessly to Access point. Fast, up to 7Gps.
       • Bluetooth
         • Used in networking - PAN - Connecting Wireless peripherals
           • Small range. Slow transfer speeds.
       • Infrared
         • Transmits data through infrared light
           • Wireless technology - uses radio waves. Limited Range. Requires lines of sight. Slow transfer speed. Less common.
       • Li-Fi
         • Lights from LED bulbs. Transmits data by turning the light on and off
           • Speed up to 224 Gps. Experimental emerging technology.

2. Storage and Software Components

   • External Storage Devices
     • USB Devices
       • Portable. All devices usually has a USB port. Great Storage capacity. Small. Resistant to damage. Fast reading speed.
     • Optical Media
       • CD/ DVD/ Blueray
         • most computers have rewritable optical disk drive
     • Can transmit Malware through network
   • Network & Device Operating Systems
     • Software Operating Systems
       • Memory management - Multi tasking, Programs assign memory & processing
       • Security features - authentication & Access controls
       • Managing Device Drivers - interact with different hardware
       • User interface - simplify interaction between user & PC
     • Device Operating Systems
       • Network Support - Wide range of protocols & handling network traffic
       • User Management features - account admin
       • File & print Sharing
   • Network Monitoring, Management & Troubleshooting Tools
     • Performance monitor
       • Monitors key data on network - wide variety of connections. Up/Download speed. Latency, Jitter & packet loss. Evaluates performance & issues with the network
     • Event Viewer
       • See event logs/ important hardware/software. Maybe service incorrectly loaded. Can help security identify failed log in.
     • Vulnerability Scanner
       • Identifies weaknesses in a computer system/network/ apps that could be exploited. But hacker can find an attack vector
     • Packet Sniffer
       • Intercepts packets transmitted across network. Allows to view data that isn't addressed to it. Can identify cause of transmission/used by attacker to access private data
   • Application Software
     • Database Applications
       • Store data in structured manner on a server. Access over network by clients. (Website - users write comments - comments saved on a database on server)
     • Document Management
       • Create, Distribute, Store, Research documents to be accessed over a network. Improve efficiency/Security
     • Network Discovery Tools
       • Scans network to discover connected devices. Gathers information (IP addresses/Computer name/ OS). Used by IT departments/Detect Vulnerabilities by hackers.