Common Networking Tools: Hardware
The internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that communicate with each other. It’s important to know what tools you can use to ensure reliability, availability, and confidentiality of these systems.
Basic hardware devices
There are many devices that help us connect with each other over the internet. It’s important we develop a basic understanding of what some of these devices can do. Let’s go over the basics together!
Routers are a network device that connects multiple networks together. Its primary function is to determine the most efficient route for data transmission based on information in packet headers.
Modems
Modems connect a router to the internet and Local Area Network (LAN). They do this by converting data been digital and analog formats.
A switch makes connections between specific devices on a network by sending and receiving data between them. A switch can help isolate devices from each other on the same network, similar to a VLAN.
Hubs
A hub is a lot like a switch except it will replicate the same signal to all ports. A normal switch will only send the signal to the correct port. Basically, a hub broadcasts the same information to every device on the network.
Hardware Firewalls
A hardware firewall is a dedicated physical firewall device that inspects each data packet before it can access the network. There are many types of firewalls, each with unique advantages and disadvantages.
Want to learn more about firewalls? Check out this article!
Overview
This is a basic breakdown on how these devices would likely interact with each other in the real world.
Take note on how data flows between each networking device.