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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.