Networks Routers Flashcards
What is a router?
A device that enables data to be sent between different types of networks. It can be connected through cables or wirelessly to connect a LAN to the internet.
Uses of a router (3) :
Connecting networks and devices to the internet
Storing computer addresses
Routing data packets.
What are the common network devices?
Network Interface Cards (NIC)
Hubs
Switches
Bridges
Uses of NIC:
These are needed to allow a device to connect to a network.
Turns binary data into an electrical signal that allows network access.
Usually integrated into the motherboard.
Features of NIC:
Each NIC is given a unique hardwired media access control (MAC) address.
Media access control (MAC) address: a number that uniquely identifies a device when connected to a network.
The first six hex digits identify the manufacturer’s code, and the next 6 identify the device’s serial number.
Uses/ features of Hubs:
They are used to connect devices together to form a local area network (LAN). It takes a data packet received by one of its ports and sends it to all relevant or irrelevant devices that are connected to it.
It is not very secure to broadcast data to all devices.
Unnecessary network traffic.
Uses of switches:
Used to connect devices to form a LAN. Unlike hubs, the switches store the MAC addresses of all devices on a lookup table. So, it only sends data to the relevant device.
Similarities of switches and hubs:
Both are used to connect devices in LAN.
Both use data packets.
Differences between switches and hubs:
Hubs send data to every device on the network.
Switches send data to a relevant device only.
Switches have better security.
Switches use lookup tables to determine the destination for a data packet.
Switches use MAC addresses for relevant device locations.
Use of bridges:
Devices that connect one LAN to another LAN that use the same protocol.
Unlike routers, they can’t communicate with external networks, such as the Internet.
Bridges vs Routers:
Bridges connect LANs together; routers connect various types of networks together.
Bridges scan MAC addresses while routers scan the IP addresses.
Both send out data in the form of data packets.
Bridges connect networks with the same protocol; routers can connect networks with different protocols.
The router uses routing tables to direct data packets, but bridges don’t.
Bridges have only two ports; routers have multiple ports.
Wi-fi and Bluetooth uses:
Are used for wireless communication between devices.
They both use electromagnetic radiation as the carrier of data transmission.
Bluetooth uses:
When transferring data between 2 or more devices that are very close together.
When the speed of data transmission isn’t crucial.
For low-bandwidth applications.
Wi-Fi uses:
Full-scale networks.
When the data transfer rate is crucial.
For uses where a higher range and better security are required.
Wi-fi and Bluetooth differences:
Bluetooth uses a transmission frequency of 2.4 GHz, whereas Wi-Fi uses a 2.4 – 5.0 GHz range.
Wi-Fi has a much faster data transfer rate.
Wi-Fi has a higher geographical range in which it is effective.
Bluetooth only allows up to 7 devices to be connected simultaneously, whereas the number of devices connected to a Wi-Fi network depends on the router/routers used.
Bluetooth uses key-matching encryption.
However, Wi-Fi uses WPA (Wi-Fi protected access) and WEP (wireless equivalent privacy).
