Experiment 1

Aim :
Study of networking devices and Internet Standards
Prepare a document including information of various networking devices,
uses, application, where and when to be used, specifications and images.
Study different networking standards and write note on it.

Definition :
Hardware devices that are used to connect computers, printers, fax machines
and other electronic devices to a network are called network devices.
Network devices are physical devices that allow hardware on a computer
network to interact and communicate with one another
Various networking devices :-

1.Hub (Physical layer) - A hub is a common connection

point, also known as a network hub, which is used for
connection of devices in a network. It works as a
central connection for all the devices that are connected
through a hub. The hub has numerous ports. If a packet
reaches at one port, it is able to see by all the segments
of the network due to a packet is copied to the other ports. A network hub has
no routing tables or intelligence (unlike a network switch or router), which is
used to send information and broadcast all network data across each and every
connection.

2.Modem (Physical layer) - Modem is a device that enables a computer to send or

receive data over telephone or cable lines. The data stored on the computer is
digital whereas a telephone line or cable wire can transmit only analog data.
The main function of the modem is to convert digital signal into analog and vice
versa. Modem is a combination of two devices − modulator and demodulator.
The modulator converts digital data into analog data when the data is being
sent by the computer. The demodulator converts analog data signals into
digital data when it is being received by the computer.

Types of Modem -
Modem can be categorized in several ways like direction in which it can
transmit data, type of connection to the transmission line, transmission mode,
etc.
Depending on direction of data transmission, modem can be of these types −
 Simplex − A simplex modem can transfer data in only one
direction, from digital device to network (modulator) or network to
digital device (demodulator).
 Half duplex − A half-duplex modem has the capacity to transfer
data in both the directions but only one at a time.
 Full duplex − A full duplex modem can transmit data in both the
directions simultaneously.

3.RJ45 Connector (physical layer) –

RJ45 is the acronym for Registered Jack 45. RJ45 connector is an 8-pin jack
used by devices to physically connect to Ethernet based local area networks
(LANs). Ethernet is a technology that defines protocols for establishing a
LAN. The cable used for Ethernet LANs are twisted pair ones and have RJ45
connector pins at both ends. These pins go into the corresponding socket on
devices and connect the device to the network.
4.Ethernet Card (Data link layer) -
Ethernet card, also known as network interface card (NIC), is a hardware
component used by computers to connect to Ethernet LAN and communicate
with other devices on the LAN. The earliest Ethernet cards were external to
the system and needed to be installed manually. In modern computer systems, it
is an internal hardware component. The NIC has RJ45 socket where network
cable is physically plugged in.

Ethernet card speeds may vary depending upon the protocols it supports. Old
Ethernet cards had maximum speed of 10 Mbps. However, modern cards
support fast Ethernets up to a speed of 100 Mbps. Some cards even have
capacity of 1 Gbps.

5.Router (Networking layer) -

A router is a network layer hardware device that transmits data from one LAN
to another if both networks support the same set of protocols. So a router is
typically connected to at least two LANs and the internet service
provider (ISP). It receives its data in the form of packets, which are data
frames with their destination address added. Router also strengthens the
signals before transmitting them. That is why it is also called repeater.
6.Switch (Data link layer) -
Switch is a network device that connects other devices to Ethernet networks
through twisted pair cables. It uses packet switching technique to receive,
store and forward data packets on the network. The switch maintains a list of
network addresses of all the devices connected to it.
On receiving a packet, it checks the destination address and transmits the packet
to the correct port. Before forwarding, the packets are checked for collision and
other network errors. The data is transmitted in full duplex mode

Data transmission speed in switches can be double that of other network devices
like hubs used for networking. This is because switch shares its maximum speed
with all the devices connected to it. This helps in maintaining network speed
even during high traffic. In fact, higher data speeds are achieved on networks
through use of multiple switches

7.Gateway (Transport layer) -

Gateway is a network device used to connect two or more dissimilar networks.
In networking parlance, networks that use different protocols are dissimilar
networks. A gateway usually is a computer with multiple NICs connected to
different networks. A gateway can also be configured completely using
software. As networks connect to a different network through gateways, these
gateways are usually hosts or end points of the network.

Gateway uses packet switching technique to transmit data from one network to

another. In this way it is similar to a router, the only difference being router can
transmit data only over networks that use same protocols.

8.Wi-Fi Card (physical &data link layer)-

Wi-Fi is the acronym for wireless fidelity. Wi-Fi technology is used to
achieve wireless connection to any network. Wi-Fi card is a card used to
connect any device to the local network wirelessly. The physical area of the
network which provides internet access through Wi-Fi is called Wi-Fi hotspot.
Hotspots can be set up at home, office or any public space. Hotspots themselves
are connected to the network through wires.

A Wi-Fi card is used to add capabilities like teleconferencing,

downloading digital camera images, video chat, etc. to old devices. Modern
devices come with their in-built wireless network adapter.
Networking Standards :-
Standards Creation Committees While many organizations are dedicated to the
establishment of standards, data telecommunications in North America rely
primarily on those published by the following:
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO is a
multinational body whose membership is drawn mainly from the standards
creation committees of various governments throughout the world. The ISO is
active in developing cooperation in the realms of scientific, technological, and
economic activity.
International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standards
Sector (ITU-T). By the early 1970s, a number of countries were defining
national standards for telecommunications, but there was still little international
compatibility. The United Nations responded by forming, as part of its
International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a committee, the Consultative
Committee for International Telegraphy and Telephony (CCITT). This
committee was devoted to the research and establishment of standards for
telecommunications in general and for phone and data systems in particular. On
March 1, 1993, the name of this committee was changed to the International
Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standards Sector (ITU-T).
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Despite its name, the
American National Standards Institute is a completely private, nonprofit
corporation not affililated with the U.S. federal government. However, all ANSI
activities are undertaken with the welfare of the United States and its citizens
occupying primary importance.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers is the largest professional engineering
society in the world. International in scope, it aims to advance theory, creativity,
and product quality in the fields of electrical engineering, electronics, and radio
as well as in all related branches of engineering. As one of its goals, the IEEE
oversees the development and adoption of international standards for computing
and communications.
Electronic Industries Association (EIA). Aligned with ANSI, the Electronic
Industries Association is a nonprofit organization devoted to the promotion of
SECTION 1.5 RECOMMENDED READING 21 electronics manufacturing
concerns. Its activities include public awareness education and lobbying efforts
in addition to standards development. In the field of information technology, the
EIA has made significant contributions by defining physical connection
interfaces and electronic signaling specifications for data communication.