E - Network Components

E - Network Components

1. Switch

   • Filters data packets as they are received and forwards it to the appropriate destination device
   • Switch conserves network bandwidth by only delivering the message to the device it was intended. This offers better performance than a hub.

2. Hub

   • Similar to switch but sends data packets to every port it's connected to; without examining them.
   • Data has to be filtered by each device it is sent to, once it has been received.
   • Data is more susceptible to interception

3. Network interface card (Wireless)

   • A NIC enables a computer to be connected to a network using a cable
   • A wireless NIC allows the device to connect to a wireless access point, therefore connect to the network
   • Each NIC has a Media Access Control (MAC) address which is unique. Other devices that are connected to networks also have unique MAC addresses so they can be identified.

4. Router

   • It sends data packets to the devices using the most efficient route, which is based on information stored in routing tabels.
   • A router is an advanced version of a switch. It stores address of connected devices & sends data packets to recipient devices.

5. Repeater

   • This sits between two long cables and extends the range of the cables so the signal doesn't deteriorate
   • It receives the signal from one cable and re-sends it along the next cable

6. Wireless Access Point (WAP)

   • A WAP is a hub that communicates wirelessly instead of having physical connections through ports.
   • The WAP connects to the main network infrastructure through a single cable connected to a switch
   • When a WAP receives a signal intended to be received by a wireless device, it broadcasts it & the receiving device collects data packets.

7. Gateway

   • This is the exit from one network and the entrance to another network
   • It creates a bridge between two networks
     • A bridge joins two networks together so it looks like one large network

8. Firewall

   • A firewall is an application that is configured on a computer/network device to prevent unauthorised access to or form a network
   • It works by examining all data coming into and out of a network & blocks access to unacceptable traffic

9. Servers

   • Application
     • Software stored on the server for use across the network
   • Mail
     • This server gives a private, internal email system meaning that all of the emails are sent securely across the server
     • Users email addresses are all stored on the server so they can be seen on the contact list of each connected user
   • Backup
     • This server backs-up all of the files on the server on the network, meaning that individual users don't have to do it themselves
   • Print
     • The print server puts all the print jobs for each printer into a queue and deals with them in turn
   • Proxy
     • Stores details about recently visited web pages in a cache, allowing the page to load quicker if the user re-visits the page
   • File
     • Current files can be stored on the server and accessed on any device connected to the network
     • Can also have shared files that can be access by all users on the network
     • Files on the server can be accessed externally if the user can connect to the server via their username and password.