DHIRAJ VAGHELA 210180107047

Experiment No. – 1

✓ AIM : Study of different Network devices

✓ Objectives: (a) To observe various network devices

(b) Find out usage of each in different case with advantage and disadvantage
(c) Connect devices to establish network of two or more devices

✓ Equipment/Instruments:
Desktop/laptop, Hub, Switch, Router, Bridge, Gateway, Modem, Repeater, NIC

✓ Observations:

➢ HUB :-

1. What is a hub?

A hub is a network device that connects multiple devices together in a star topology. It is a physical
device with multiple ports that can be used to connect devices such as computers, printers, and
servers. The hub receives data from one device and then broadcasts it to all of the other devices on
the network. This allows all of the devices on the network to communicate with each other.

2. Features of Hub:
• A hub is a physical device with multiple ports.

• It receives data from one device and then broadcasts it to all of the other devices on the network.
• It is a Layer 1 device in the OSI model.
• It is a passive device, meaning that it does not amplify or filter the data that it receives.
• It is a relatively inexpensive device.

3. Applications of Hub:
• Hubs are commonly used in small office/home office (SOHO) networks.
• They can also be used in larger networks, but they are typically replaced by switches in these
networks.
• Hubs are used to connect devices that do not need to communicate with each other directly.
• For example, a hub can be used to connect computers to a printer or to a router.

4. Types of Hub:

There are two main types of hubs:

• Ethernet hubs: These hubs are used to connect devices that use the Ethernet network protocol.

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• Fiber optic hubs: These hubs are used to connect devices that use the fiber optic network
protocol.

➢ Router :-

1. What is a router?

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between networks. Routers are essential
for connecting different networks together, such as home networks, office networks, and the internet.

2. Features of a router:

• Routers have a routing table that stores information about the networks that they are connected
to.
• Routers use algorithms to determine the best path for a data packet to take from its source to its
destination.
• Routers can be configured to forward data packets based on different criteria, such as the type of
traffic, the source and destination addresses, or the priority of the traffic.
• Routers can be used to filter traffic, preventing certain types of traffic from being forwarded.
• Routers can be used to create virtual private networks (VPNs).

3. Applications of a router:

• Routers are used to connect different networks together, such as home networks, office networks,
and the internet.
• Routers are used to route data packets between different networks.
• Routers are used to filter traffic, preventing certain types of traffic from being forwarded.
• Routers are used to create virtual private networks (VPNs).

4. Types of routers:

• There are two main types of routers: static routers and dynamic routers.
• Static routers have a routing table that is manually configured.
• Dynamic routers use a routing protocol to automatically update their routing table.
• There are also many different types of routers based on their size, features, and price.

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Fig.(1) : Router
➢ Bridge

1. What is a bridge?
• A bridge is a network device that connects two or more network segments. It operates at the
data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model and is responsible for forwarding frames between
the segments. Bridges learn about the MAC addresses of the devices on each segment and use
this information to forward frames to the correct segment.
2. Features of a bridge:

• Bridges are transparent to the end devices. This means that the end devices do not need to know
that a bridge is present in order to communicate with each other.
• Bridges are relatively inexpensive.
• Bridges are easy to configure.
• Bridges can be used to connect different types of networks, such as Ethernet and Token Ring.

3. Applications of a bridge:

• Bridges can be used to connect different subnets together.

• Bridges can be used to segment a network to improve performance and security.
• Bridges can be used to isolate problems on a network segment.
• Bridges can be used to extend the reach of a network.

4. Types of bridges:

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There are two main types of bridges:

• Static bridges: Static bridges are configured manually with the MAC addresses of the devices on
each segment. This is the simplest type of bridge to configure, but it is also the least flexible.
• Dynamic bridges: Dynamic bridges learn about the MAC addresses of the devices on each segment
automatically. This is more complex to configure than a static bridge, but it is also more flexible.
.

Fig.(2) :bridges

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➢ Gateway :-

1. What is a gateway?

A gateway is a network device that connects two or more networks that use different protocols. It
operates at the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model and is responsible for routing packets
between the networks. Gateways use routing tables to determine the best path for a packet to take to
reach its destination.

2. Features of a gateway:

• Gateways are not transparent to the end devices. This means that the end devices need to know
that a gateway is present in order to communicate with devices on the other network.
• Gateways are more expensive than bridges.
• Gateways are more complex to configure than bridges.
• Gateways can be used to connect different types of networks, such as Ethernet, Token Ring, and
IPv4.

3. Applications of a gateway:

• Gateways can be used to connect a LAN to the Internet.

• Gateways can be used to connect two different intranets together.
• Gateways can be used to connect a LAN to a WAN.
• Gateways can be used to connect a LAN to a different type of network, such as a satellite
network or a wireless network.

4. Types of gateways:

There are two main types of gateways:

• Static gateways: Static gateways are configured manually with the IP addresses of the devices on
the other network. This is the simplest type of gateway to configure, but it is also the least
flexible.
• Dynamic gateways: Dynamic gateways learn about the IP addresses of the devices on the other
network automatically. This is more complex to configure than a static gateway, but it is also
more flexible.

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Fig.(3):gateway

➢ Modem :-

1. What is a modem?

A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that converts digital signals to analog signals and
vice versa. This allows computers to communicate over analog telecommunications networks, such
as telephone lines.

2. Features of a modem :

• Modems are used to connect computers to the internet.

• Modems can be used to connect computers to other computers over a dial-up connection.
• Modems can be used to connect computers to cable or DSL networks.
• Modems can be used to connect computers to wireless networks.
• Modems can be used to connect computers to satellite networks

3. Applications of a modem:

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• Modems are used to connect to the internet.

• Modems are used to connect to remote servers.
• Modems are used to connect to other computers for file sharing or gaming.
• Modems are used to connect to VoIP services.
• Modems are used to connect to satellite networks for internet access in rural areas.

4. Types of modems:

Telephone modem

A computer is connected through telephone lines to access the network of other computers. It is
cheaper when compared to other modems because it does not have any installation cost and also the
monthly fee of a telephone modem is low. It can be used in any house if a telephone network is
provided.

Fig.(4): Telephone modem

Digital subscriber Line

It provides high speed internet connection through telephone lines. It is expensive when compared to
a telephone modem. The DSL is also connected with phone lines similar to telephone modem, but the
difference is in DSL voice communication and internet service is used simultaneously whereas in
telephone modem it is not provided.

Fig.(5): Digital subscriber line

Cable modem
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Cable Modem is a device that allows high-speed data access via a cable TV (CATV) network. Most
cable modems are currently external devices that connect to the PC through a standard 10 BASE-T
Ethernet card and twisted-pair wiring.

Fig.(6): cable modem

Satellite modem

It is a device that provides internet connection through satellite dishes. It transfers the input bits to
output radio signals and then executes vice versa. It is costlier when compared to all other modems
but provides better reliability to the internet network.

Fig.(7): satellite modem

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➢ Repeater :-

A repeater is a dynamic network device used to reproduce the signals when they transmit over a greater
distance so that the signal’s strength remains equal. It can be used to create an Ethernet network. A
repeater that occurs as the first layer of the OSI layer is the physical layer.

Fig.(8):Repeater
Features of Repeaters

• These repeaters are linked to each other at the physical layer.

• It sends the signals for the unsteady areas to enlarge the system signals.
• These receptors linked the various network signals to convert the data between the two
devices.
• These repeaters can eliminate the distance between the two devices.
• The repeaters can frequently monitor the signals that are created between the two LANs.
• Repeaters can support dynamic networking.
• Multi-site connection solutions provide the 30 repeaters linked to it.
• The IP network links all the repeaters with an IP site relation network.
• This IP network can support a fast response to any issue in the repeater network.
• These receptors can support 100 % digital communication so that they do not require to wait
for analog voice calls.

Advantages of Repeater

• The signals get weaker as they transit to greater distances. The repeater provides the stability
of the signals.
• These repeaters are cost-effective and easy to use.
• The repeaters don’t influence network performance.
• It is not all signals that can be linked using physical media.
• These repeaters can retransmit the information and powerful the weak signals.

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Disadvantage of Repeaters

They cannot connect two distinct networks.

• While amplifying the signals, the repeaters also amplify the level of noise in those signals.
• If we enhance the extent of the web by only using the repeaters. In that case, the signal
propagation time will grow to a considerable level, and the network’s performance will
collapse.

Fig.(9):Repeater

➢ NIC :-

A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware device that allows a computer to connect to a network.
It is also known as a network adapter or Ethernet card. NICs are typically installed in the expansion
slots of a computer.

NICs have a number of features, including:

• A physical port for connecting to a network cable.

• A controller that manages the data transfer between the computer and the network.
• A memory buffer that stores data temporarily.
• A driver that allows the NIC to communicate with the operating system.

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NICs are classified into two main types:

• Ethernet NICs: Ethernet NICs are the most common type of NIC. They use the Ethernet protocol
to transfer data over a network.
• Wireless NICs: Wireless NICs allow computers to connect to a wireless network. They use the
Wi-Fi protocol to transfer data over a wireless network.

NICs are an essential part of any computer network. They allow computers to connect to the
network and communicate with each other.

Here are some of the applications of NICs in computer networks:

• Connecting to the internet: NICs allow computers to connect to the internet. This allows users to
access websites, email, and other online resources.
• Sharing files and printers: NICs allow computers to share files and printers on a network. This is
useful for businesses and homes that need to share resources.
• Playing multiplayer games: NICs allow computers to play multiplayer games over a network.
This is a great way for friends and family to compete against each other.
• Remote access: NICs allow users to remotely access their computers from another location. This
is useful for businesses that need to allow employees to work from home.

✓ Quiz :

1. Find out the cases where above devices are used?

• Gateway: Used to connect different networks, like connecting a local network to the internet.
• Modem: Converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over
phone lines.
• Hub: Connects multiple devices in a network, but doesn't intelligently manage traffic.
• Switch: Manages data traffic efficiently within a network by forwarding data only to the
devices that need it.
• Router: Connects different networks and directs data between them, often includes a built-in
firewall.
• Repeater: Extends the range of a wireless network by receiving and retransmitting signals.
• NIC (Network Interface Card): Hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a
network.

2. Differentiate each device?

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Device Function Characteristics Example

Gateway Connects different Operates at network layer Home router

networks, manages traffic connecting local
network to the internet

Modem Converts digital data to Converts digital signals to DSL modem

analog (and vice versa) for analog for DSL connecting to a
communication over phone connections, interfaces with telephone line for
lines ISP's network internet access

Hub Connects multiple devices Shares data to all connected Legacy device, basic,
in a network devices inefficient data sharing

Switch Efficiently forwards data Operates at data link layer, Managed and
to intended devices reduces network traffic unmanaged switches,
used for LANs
Router Connects networks, directs Operates at network layer, Home router
data routes data intelligently connecting LAN to
WAN (internet), directs
traffic between
networks
Repeater Amplifies and retransmits Extends network range, Used to extend Wi-Fi
weak signals reduces signal degradation coverage in large areas
Network Connects device to Hardware component for Integrated or add-on
Interface network network communication card enabling wired or
Card (NIC) wireless network
connection in devices

3. Give approximate cost of each devices with name of 2 manufactures?

Gateway
Approximate Cost: $50 - $300
Manufacturers: Cisco, TP-Link

Modem:
Approximate Cost: $40 - $150
Manufacturers: Motorola, NETGEAR

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Hub:
Approximate Cost: $10 - $40
Manufacturers: TP-Link, D-Link

Switch:
Approximate Cost: $20 - $150
Manufacturers: NETGEAR, Cisco

Router:
Approximate Cost: $30 - $300
Manufacturers: ASUS, Linksys

Repeater:
Approximate Cost: $20 - $100
Manufacturers: TP-Link, NETGEAR

NIC (Network Interface Card):

Approximate Cost: $10 - $50
Manufacturers: Intel, TP-Link

✓ References used by students :

www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/
https://www.hpe.com/us/en/solutions/networking.html
https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/solutions/networking.htm
https://www.juniper.net/us/en/products-services/
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/index.html

✓ Rubric wise marks obtained:

3 2 1
Ability to identify and Clear( Good) Average/partial Poor/not at all
connect networking
device
Organization Can easily tell from Can tell with Cannot tell from
which sources difficulty from where which source
information was information came information came
drawn
Bibliography All relevant Bibliography contains Bibliography
bibliographic most relevant contains very little
information is information information
included

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