Network equipments
These three components are used to connect computers together and create networks. For that, we must be able to connect to computers using Ethernet cables RJ45 or USB cables. It is also possible to connect to WiFi.
Hub
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The hub unit is the simplest and cheapest way to create a network. It has multiple ports for RJ45 cables. When sending data, it sends them to all network equipment (it makes no difference). The bandwidth is divided by the number of connected computers.
Switch
The switch is an intelligent hub. It sends the data to the computer that requests them. To distinguish between connected PCs, it uses MAC addresses. These are unique numbers that have Ethernet cards. The bandwidth is not divided. These advantages make it more expensive than a simple hub.
Router
It connects multiple networks together. The main feature used today is to share the Internet connection. It can provide network access to all positions that are connected. That is why most recent Box are routers. They can be issued WiFi connections.
In addition, one of its advantages is safety, it acts as a hardware firewall for incoming connections (it is always necessary to have a software firewall for outbound connections). Packets can travel over the Internet through them.
To summarize
- These are devices that allow computers to communicate among themselves by creating a network.
- The switch is a hub evolved that can differentiate the computers with which it communicates.
- The box sold by ISPs are default router mode.
