2.2 - Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices. Flashcards
2.0 - Networking
Routers
Routes traffic between IP subnets.
OSI layer 3.
Makes forwarding decisions based on IP address.
Often connects diverse network types:
LAN, WAN, Copper, Fiber.
Switches
Bridging done in hardware.
Forwards traffic based on data link address.
ASIC - Application specific integrated circuit.
OSI Layer 2 - Data link layer.
Many ports and features.
May provide Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Multilayer switch - includes routing functionality.
Unmanaged Switch
Fixed configuration / Very few config options.
No VLANs
Very little integration with other devices.
No management protocols.
Low price point.
Managed Switch
VLAN support.
Traffic prioritisation.
Voice traffic gets higher priority.
Redundancy support.
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).
External management.
SNMP - Simple Network Management Protocol.
Port Mirroring.
Capture packets.
WAP
Wireless access point.
OSI Layer 2 - Data Link Layer
Not a wireless router.
A wireless router is a router and a WAP in a single device.
WAP is a bridge.
Extends the wired network onto the wireless network.
Makes forwarding devisions based on MAC address.
Wireless LAN controller
Centralised management of WAPs.
Deploy new access points.
Performance and security monitoring.
Report on access point use.
Usually a proprietary system.
Controller is paired with the access points.
Can also be cloud based.
Manage the console from anywhere.
Firewall
Filters traffic by port number.
OSI Layer 4 - Transport layer.
Some firewalls can filter through OSI layer 7.
Can encrypt traffic into/out of the network.
Protect your traffic between sites.
Can proxy traffic.
Most firewalls can be layer 3 devices (routers).
NIC
Network Interface Card.
Network device that connects a device to a network.
Computers, Servers, Printers, Routers, Switches, Phones etc.
OSI Layer 2 - Data link layer
Specific to the network type:
Ethernet, WAN, Wireless etc.
Often built into motherboard or added as an expansion card.
Different types:
Single port, multi-port, copper, fiber.
Repeater
Receive signal, regenerate, resend.
No forwarding decisions to make.
OSI Layer 1 - Physical layer
Common uses:
Boost copper or fiber connections.
Convert one network media to another.
Extend wireless network reach.
Hub
“Multi-port repeater”
Traffic going in one port is repeated to every other port.
OSI layer 1 - Physical layer
Becomes less efficient as network speeds increase hence why it is difficult to find in networks today.
Cable Modem
A hardware device that allows your device to communicate with an ISP over a landline connection.
DOCSIS - Data over cable service interface specification.
4Mbit/s - 250Mbit/s networking speeds are common.
Multiple services:
Data, voice, etc.
DSL Modem
ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
Uses Telephone Lines.
Download speed is faster than the upload speed (asymmetric).
~10,000 foot limitation from Central Office (CO)
52Mbit/s downstream, 16Mbit/s upstream are common.
Faster speeds may be possible if closer to the Central office.
Bridge
Imagine a switch with two to four ports.
Makes forwarding decisions in software.
Distributes traffic based on MAC address.
Connects different physical networks.
Can connect different topologies.
Gets around physical network size limitations/ collisions.
Patch Panel
Combination of punch-down blocks and RJ-45 connectors.
Runs from desks are made once.
Permanently punched down to patch panel.
Patch panel to switch can be easily changed.
Just use existing cables.
PoE
Power over Ethernet.
Power provided on an Ethernet cable.
One wire for both network and electricity.
Power provided at the switch.
Built in power (integrated into switch) - Endspans
In line power injector (integrated into the line) - Midspans
