Network devices

Network devices

Network devices are components used to connect computers or other electronic devices together so that they can share files or resources.

Hub

It is a common connection point for devices in a network. It joins together the workstations, printers, and servers on a network to communicate with each other. Each hub has a number of ports that connect it to the other devices via a network cable. A hub connects all the devices on its ports together. When data arrives at one port, it is sent to the other ports so that all the devices can see all the information, commonly called packets.

Switch

A switch is a hardware device that filters and forwards network packets. A network switch also connects computers to each other, like a hub. When a switch receives a packet of data, it determines what computer or device the packet is intended for and sends it to that computer only. It does not broadcast the packet to all computers as a hub. For this reason alone, switches are usually preferred over a hub.

Repeater

Repeaters remove the unwanted noise in an incoming signal. It increases a signal's strength, so it can be transmitted and received over a greater distance without a loss in quality. Network repeaters receive and retransmit incoming electrical, wireless or optical signals.

Whenever a repeater receives a signal through one of its ports, it repeats or sends the incoming signal onto the other port. Its main use is to amplify and regenerate signals.

Gateway

A network gateway joins two networks so the devices on one network can communicate with the devices on another network. Gateways serve as the entry and exit point of a network. For basic Internet connections at home, the gateway is the Internet Service Provider that gives you access to the entire Internet.

A gateway is often associated with a router. Routers can be gateways because a router can control the path through which information is sent in and out.

The default gateway is the machine IP number that you need to access to get to the rest of the network or the Internet.