Networking Devices

BY: Omkar Dabde & Omar Hashmi

 Connectivity of two or more than two devices so that they can communicate with
each other.

 Network = Connectivity + Communication

 Networking devices are hardware components used to manage, connect, and
facilitate communication between computers, servers, and other devices in a
network. They help in the transfer of data across different network segments and
ensure smooth and secure connectivity.
 They manage the flow of data, connect different network segments, and ensure that
information reaches its intended destination.
 Directs Data Traffic: A router directs data between different networks by analyzing IP
addresses, ensuring that information reaches its correct destination.
 Connects Networks: Routers connect different networks, such as your home network to the
internet, enabling devices within the network to communicate with external networks.
 Assigns Local IP Addresses: Routers assign local IP addresses to devices within the
network using protocols like DHCP, helping manage communication between devices.
 Enhances Security: Many routers include firewalls and other security features to protect the
network from unauthorized access or cyber threats.
 Central Connection: A hub acts as a central point
that connects multiple devices or systems.
 Communication: It allows these devices to
communicate and share data with each other.
 Data Transmission: When data is sent to the hub, it
is distributed to all connected devices.
 Simplifies Networking: Hubs make it easier to
manage and connect multiple devices in a network.
 Types of Hubs: There are different types, like USB
hubs for connecting peripherals or network hubs
for connecting computers.
 Limited Intelligence: Unlike more advanced devices
(like switches), hubs don’t manage data traffic
 intelligently; they simply pass it along.
 Intelligent Connection: A switch connects multiple devices on a network but is smarter than a hub.
• Direct Communication: It sends data only to the specific device that needs it, rather than broadcasting
to all connected devices.
• Data Handling: Switches use addresses (like a mailing address) to determine where to send
data.
• Improves Speed: Because it only sends data to the intended device, it reduces network
congestion and improves overall speed.
• Multiple Connections: A switch can connect many devices at once, allowing for a larger network.
• Layer 2 Device: Most switches operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model, which deals with data link
protocols.
• Common in Networks: Switches are widely used in both home and business networks to create efficient
and organized communication paths.
Connects Network Segments: A
Operates at Data Link Layer: A
bridge connects two or more
bridge works at Layer 2 (Data Link
separate network segments,
Layer) of the OSI model, managing
allowing devices on these segments
physical addressing and controlling
to communicate as if they were on
the flow of data frames.
the same network.

Reduces Network Collisions: Learns Device Locations: Bridges

Bridges help reduce collisions by learn the MAC addresses of devices
splitting a large network into on each network segment, using this
smaller segments, preventing data information to forward data only to
from colliding on a shared medium. the necessary segments.
 Connects Different Networks: A gateway
connects two different networks, often with
different protocols, enabling communication
between them
 Protocol Conversion: Gateways perform protocol
conversion, translating data from one protocol to
another so that devices using different
communication standards can interact.
 Operates at Multiple OSI Layers: Unlike
bridges or routers, gateways can operate at
various layers of the OSI model, from the transport
layer to the application layer .
 Manages Traffic Flow: Gateways can manage
and control traffic flow between networks, often
providing security features like firewalls or
filtering unwanted traffic
 Provides Network Connectivity: It enables a computer to communicate
with other devices and access resources like the internet, printers, or shared
files.
 Supports Both Wired and Wireless Connections: NICs can be either wired
(Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi), depending on the type of network.
 Transmits and Receives Data: It handles the sending and receiving of data
between the device and the network.
 Plug-and-Play: Most NICs are automatically recognized by the operating
system when installed, making it easy to set up and use.