Networking ComponentsBy: Michael J. Hardrick

HUB A low cost device

that sends data from one computer to all others usually operating on Layer 1 of the OSI model.

Range from $10 to $150

Switch A device that relays

traffic by using Layer 2 address.

It usually contains software that supports the building of routing table.

Range from $10 to $2,500.

Bridge Like a Switch it

relays traffic, but with a LAN device.

Ranges from $50-$300

Router They operate on at

OSI Layer 3 with IP addresses.

High-end routers can also be configured to as firewalls and extensive network management features.

Range from $50 to $1,500

Firewall A security feature

on a network that filters unwanted traffic from entering a network computer.

Range from $300 to $3,000.

Gateway The activities of a

gateway are more complex than that of the router or switch as it communicates using more than one protocol

Can operate at any network layer

Range from $100 to $300

Wireless AP A device that allows

wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, or related standards.

The AP usually connects to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself.

Range from $20 to $100

Example Diagram

The next slide will show you a picture diagram with all the devices.

A place this will be used are large corporations, and cities, school districts, and etc.

Network Diagram