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1.6 NETWORK DEVICES
A network requires a variety of network devices, each of which serves a distinct purpose in the network. Let’s have a
look at a few network devices.
Repeater
A repeater is a device that receives a signal and enhances it. A repeater is a device that receives a signal and retransmits
it at a higher level or power so that it can travel further distances, such as more than 100 metres for conventional LAN
lines. It’s also referred to as a digital regenerator because it reshapes and amplifies digital signals.
Hub
Hubs are devices that connect many computer networking devices. A hub also serves
as a repeater, amplifying signals that have deteriorated due to vast distances travelled
through connected connections. Because it links LAN components using the same
protocols, a hub is the simplest of the network connecting devices.
Bridge
A bridge is a LAN device with multiple ports that can operate at different speeds. As a result, a bridge can be used to
combine smaller LANs to create a larger LAN. Devices on one LAN segment can connect with devices on another LAN
segment using a bridge.
Bridge
Switch Switch
Unlike hubs, they are sophisticated devices that send data to the outgoing line heading to the destination with
discretion.
Switch
Unlike bridges, which connect two or more LAN segments, switches connect individual
network nodes. Each node in the network is connected to a different switch port. When
it receives an incoming data frame, it sends it over a single line to the destination node.
Only one LAN is formed when all nodes are connected through switch.
Router
A router, like a switch, routes data packets according to their IP addresses. A router is a
device that sends data from one network to another. Routers connect LANs and WANs
and use a dynamically updating routing table to decide how to route data packets.
Basics of Networking and Web Architecture 121

