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1.7 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.

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