Internetworking Devices

Question 1

Mention the different kinds of internetworking devices

Answer 1

Hub (physical layer)
Repeater (physical layer)
Bridge (data link layer)
Switch (data link layer)
Router (network layer)

Question 2

What does a Hub do?

Answer 2

Takes input data from one port and broadcasts it to all ports on the network. Non-intelligent device
(Physical layer)

Question 3

What does a Repeater do?

Answer 3

Similar to hub, but also regenerates weak signal in order to prevent signal attenuation over longer distances. Copies data bit by bit.
(Physical layer)

Question 4

What does a Bridge do?

Answer 4

Can connect two networks or two segments of the same LAN.
Bridge is like repeater with ability to read MAC address of source and destination
(Data Link Layer)

Question 5

What does a Switch do?

Answer 5

Is like a multiport bridge with a buffer.
Performs error checking before sending data.
Has knowledge of MAC addresses of devices on ports in the network
(Data Link Layer)

Question 6

What does a Router do?

Answer 6

Connects any number of LANs with WANs. Performs routing, figuring out the best route between two hosts on a network.
(Network Layer)