Network Devices

Hub, Repeater and Modem

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction....................................................................................4
1.1What are Network Devices...........................................................4
1.2 Various types of network devices................................................4
2.Hub....................................................................................................6
2.1 What is Hub.................................................................................6
2.2 Types of Hubs..............................................................................6
2.3 Advantages of Hub.......................................................................7
2.4 Disadvantage of Hub...................................................................7
2.5 Applications of Hub.....................................................................8
2.6 Working of the Hub......................................................................8
3.Repeater............................................................................................9
3.1What is Repeater...........................................................................9
3.2Types of Repeaters........................................................................9
3.3 Advantages of Repeater.............................................................11
3.4 Disadvantages of Repeater.........................................................11
3.5 Applications of Repeater............................................................11
3.6 Working of Repeater..................................................................12
4. Modem...........................................................................................13
4.1 What is Modem..........................................................................13
4.2 Types of Modems.......................................................................13
4.4 Disadvantages of Modem..........................................................15
4.5Applications of Modem..............................................................16
4.6 Working of Modem....................................................................16
References..........................................................................................18

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Table of Figures
Figure 0-1:Access Point........................................................................................4
Figure 0-2:Router..................................................................................................4
Figure 0-3:Hub......................................................................................................4
Figure 0-4:Modem................................................................................................4
Figure 0-5:Switches..............................................................................................5
Figure 0-6:Bridges................................................................................................5
Figure 0-7:NIC......................................................................................................5
Figure 0-8:Repeater..............................................................................................5
Figure 0-9:Firewall...............................................................................................5
Figure 1-1: Hub.....................................................................................................6
Figure 1-2: Working of Hub.................................................................................8
Figure 2-0-1:Repeater...........................................................................................9
Figure 2-1:Working of Repeater.........................................................................12
Figure 3-1:Modem..............................................................................................13
Figure 3-2:Working of Modem...........................................................................16

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1. Introduction
1.1What are Network Devices?
Networking devices are hardware devices or components used to connect
computers, printers and other electronic devices. These devices facilitate
communication between various nodes (like computers) in the network,
manages the flow of data, and ensure that information reaches the correct
destination.
1.2 Various types of Network Devices
Access Point: A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a networking device that
allows connecting the devices with the wifi.
Unknown Author is

Figure 0-1: Access Point

Router: It is designed to receive, analyze, and forward data packets between

computer networks. A router examines a destination IP address of a given data
packet.

Author
Figureis 0-2:
licensed under
Router

Hub: A hub is a physical layer networking device which is used to connect

multiple devices in a network. They are generally used to connect computers.

Figure 0-3:Hub

Modem: These are used to convert digital signals into analog signals so that
they can be transmitted over telephone lines.

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 Figure 0-4:Modem

Switches: A network switch connects devices in a network to each other,

enabling them to talk by exchanging data packets.

Figure 0-5:Switches

Bridges: A network bridge is a computer networking device that creates a

single, aggregate network from multiple communication networks or network
segments.

Figure 0-6:Bridges

Network Interface Card (NIC): The NIC is responsible for fragmenting the
data transmission and formatting the data packets with the necessary header and
trailer. A standard IEEE NIC contains a unique, hard-coded logical address
(MAC address), which it includes in the header of each data packet it transmits.

Figure 0-7:NIC

Repeater: A device that amplifies the signal to reduce the effect of signal loss
(attenuation).

Figure 0-8:Repeater

Firewall: A firewall is a network security device designed to monitor, filter, and

control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security
rules.

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 Figure 0-9:Firewall

2. Hub
A network hub is a simple box that helps many devices talk to each other in a
group. It takes information from one device and shares it with all the other
devices connected to it. Hubs are not used much now because better devices
called switches do the job faster and smarter. Switches in computer networks
are devices that make sure data gets to the right place without any network
traffic. Just like a traffic controller, they direct information to its desired
destination, making the network run smoothly and efficiently.
2.1 What is the Hub?

Figure 1-10: Hub

A hub is a common connection point, 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. Although most of the hubs can
recognize network troubles or errors like collisions, broadcasting all information
to the several ports can be a security risk and cause bottlenecks.
2.2 Types of Hubs
There are three types of the hub that are given below:
1.Passive Hub: The passive hubs are the connection point for wires that helps
to make the physical network. It is capable of determining the bugs and faulty
hardware. Simply, it accepts the packet over a port and circulates it to all ports.
It includes connectors (10base-2 port and RJ-45) that can be applied as a
standard in your network. This connector is connected to all local area network
(LAN) devices. Additionally, the advanced passive hubs have AUI ports, which
are connected as the transceiver according to the network design.
2. Active Hub: As compared to a passive hub, it includes some additional
features. It is able to monitor the data sent to the connected devices. It plays an
important role between the connected devices with the help of store technology,

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where it checks the data to be sent and decides which packet to send first.It has
the ability to fix the damaged packets when packets are sending, and also able
to hold the direction of the rest of the packets and distribute them. If a port
receives a weak signal, but still it is readable, then the active hub reconstructs
the weak signal into a stronger signal before its sending to other ports. It can
boost the signal if any connecting device is not working in the network.
Therefore, it helps to make the continuity of services in LAN.
3. Intelligent Hub: It is a little smarter than passive and active hubs. These
hubs have some kinds of management software that help to analyse the problem
in the network and resolve them. It is beneficial to expend the business in
networking; the management can assign users that help to work more quickly
and share a common pool efficiently by using intelligent hubs. However, it
offers better performance for the local area network. Furthermore, with any
physical device, if any problem is detected, it is able to detect this problem
easily.
2.3 Advantages of Hub
 It provides support for different types of Network Media.
 It can be used by anyone as it is very cheap.
 It can easily connect many different media types.
 The use of a hub does not impact on the network performance.
 Additionally, it can expand the total distance of the network.
2.4 Disadvantage of Hub
 Not intelligent: Unlike switch or router, hub is a less intelligent device
since it does not have any software.
 Hub is everything: Total damage to the hub will cause the entire network
to fail, even if all ports are perfectly functional.
 No filtering: Hubs do not allow packet filtering. This means that any data
that is being forwarded to one device will also be forwarded to all
connected devices. It, however, does not forward the frame to the port of
entry. Since the hub is purely hardware, it does not have a MAC address
for locating the target device.
 No security: Since the hub broadcasts messages to every port, it is not
possible to send any private frame. This allows other connected ports to
access your data.
 Network Traffic is high: Hubs broadcast the frame/data to every
connected device due to which the traffic is high.
 Does not use full duplex transmission mode: Hubs use the half-duplex
method for transmission. In the half duplex mode, you can either send a

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 frame or receive a frame at a time. It is not possible to send and receive
frames simultaneously.
 Cannot connect to different network architectures: Hubs cannot
connect with different network architectures such as token, ring, and
ethernet.
2.5 Applications of Hub
 The important applications of a hub are given below:
 Hub is used to create small home networks.
 It is used for network monitoring.
 They are also used in organizations to provide connectivity.
 It can be used to create a device that is available thought out of the
network.
2.6 Working of the Hu

Figure 1-11: Working of Hub

A hub is a network device that consists of multiple ports. Each port can connect
one device. Multiple devices get connected to the hub through these ports. A
connected device, say 1, sends the frame (sender). This frame will be delivered
to all the connected devices (receivers), say 2,3, and 4 in this case.
Suppose devices 1 and 2 simultaneously send frames/frames to the hub. Due to
this, frames often crash. N number of collision domains are possible in the hub,
where N refers to the number of devices connected to the hub. Whenever this
collision occurs, the host that has sent the frame will detect it. The sent frames
are destroyed, and the host sends a jam signal for other hosts to wait. The
waiting period is different for each host to avoid any further collision.
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2.Repeater
A computer network is made up of various devices such as the hub, repeater,
modem, switch, computer devices, etc. Each device plays a vital role in
networking. Repeaters are used in order to extend the network and provide
security, strength, and no data loss. The below article describes in detail a
networking device known as a repeater
3.1 What is Repeater?

Figure 2-12:Repeater

A repeater is a component in computer networks that amplifies and regenerates

signals as they go through the system. A repeater's main function is to increase
signal strength and quality over vast distances or dense blocks to increase a
network's range. Repeaters are frequently employed in LANs and WANs to
increase the network's performance and dependability. They can aid in
preventing data loss, minimizing mistakes, and ensuring that the signal is strong
and of high enough quality when it reaches its intended location. Repeaters are
devices that computer networks employ to increase the range of network signals
beyond their typical range restrictions. Organizations may get over the
restrictions of physical cabling and ensure that data can travel farther distances
without losing quality by integrating repeaters into a network.
3.2Types of Repeaters
1. Analog Signal Repeater: Repeaters for analogue transmissions are built
to operate with analogue signals. To increase the range of analogue
signals without suffering too much deterioration, they receive, amplify,
and regenerate them. In earlier communications systems, these repeaters
are often utilized.
2. Digital Signal Repeater: Repeaters for digital transmissions are designed
specifically for them. To guarantee that digital data reaches its destination
with little loss or damage, they receive, amplify, and renew it. In

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 contemporary computer networks and communication systems, these
repeaters are common. Repeaters may also be divided into groups
according to the kinds of networks they are employed in or the network
designs they are intended to connect.
3. LAN Repeater (Local Area Network):Local area networks, like
Ethernet networks, can increase their coverage using LAN repeaters, also
known as LANs. They enhance and regenerate LAN signals to allow for
greater LAN transmission distances.
4. WAN Repeater (Wide Area Network):Wide area networks, such as
leased lines or point-to-point connections, use WAN repeaters. In
situations when signal attenuation is an issue, they notably aid in
extending the range of WAN connections across vast distances.
5. MAN Repeater (Metropolitan Area Network):Metropolitan area
networks, which span greater geographic regions than LANs but smaller
areas than WANs, employ MAN repeaters (Metropolitan Area Network).
They amplify and extend signals inside MANs to connect several LANs
throughout a city or metropolitan area.
6. Wireless Network Repeater: Wi-Fi range extenders, sometimes referred
to as wireless network repeaters, are used to increase the coverage of
wireless networks. To cover more ground or eliminate dead spots, they
link to already-existing wireless networks and retransmit the signals.
7. Cellular Network Repeater: Repeaters for cellular networks are used to
increase and widen their coverage. They often enhance voice and data
communication for mobile devices in structures, automobiles, and distant
locations .These repeaters are designed for particular network kinds and
topologies, considering each network category's special difficulties and
demands.
8. Local Repeaters: Local repeaters are network devices created to join
LAN segments spaced apart by just a short distance. Within a limited
geographic area, these repeaters are used to increase the coverage of a
local area network (LAN).
9. Remote Repeaters: On the other side, remote repeaters are network
devices that link LANs that are spread out across a large area. They are
used to increase network connectivity over greater distances, frequently
between far-flung sites.

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3.3 Advantages of Repeater
 Repeaters are simple to install and can easily extend the length or the
coverage area of networks.
 They are cost effective.
 Repeaters don’t require any processing overhead. The only time they
need to be investigated is in case of degradation of performance.
 They can connect signals using different types of cables.
3.4 Disadvantages of Repeaters
 Repeaters cannot connect dissimilar networks.

 They cannot differentiate between actual signal and noise.

 They cannot reduce network traffic or congestion.
 Most networks have limitations upon the number of repeaters that can be
deployed.
3.5 Applications of Repeater
 Fibre Optic Networks: The attenuation of light signals over long
distances can cause signal loss in fibre optic networks. In fibre optic
communication networks, optical repeaters are used to regenerate and
amplify optical signals so they may travel farther.
 Wireless Networks: Obstacles like geography or buildings can impact
the signal strength in wireless networks. Repeaters, often called range
extenders, can be positioned between the router and locations with spotty
Wi-Fi service to strengthen and expand it.
 Cellular Networks: To improve cellular coverage in spots with weak
reception, cellular networks utilize repeaters, sometimes called cell signal
boosters or amplifiers. They magnify weak signals from adjacent cell
towers to provide a building or a certain region better coverage.
 Satellite Communications: Signals from ground stations are amplified
and then retransmitted to satellites in satellite communication systems
using repeaters. As a result, a trustworthy communication link may be
maintained across extended distances.
 Broadcasting: Repeaters are used to rebroadcast television or radio
signals to places outside the original transmission's range. This increases
the region that broadcast stations can cover.

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  Underwater Cables: Repeaters are positioned at regular intervals along
the cable in underwater fibre optic cable systems to regenerate and
amplify optical signals as they move through the ocean floor. As a result,
data may be sent over very long distances without suffering much from
signal loss.
 Legacy Systems: In some circumstances, repeaters may be necessary to
preserve signal integrity for older network technologies and protocols.
Repeaters may still be required to support older devices and infrastructure
even though newer networking equipment frequently has built-in signal-
boosting capabilities.
3.6 Working of Repeater

Amplified Signal

Weak Signal

Figure 2-13:Working of Repeater

A repeater regenerates the signal, not just amplifies it. Amplifying would also
strengthen any noise in the signal, so the repeater regenerates a clean version of
the original data.

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4. Modem
A modem and router are two of the most frequent components in a home
network configuration. A router establishes a local area network (LAN),
whereas a modem connects to an internet service provider (ISP). For a home
network to work, both devices are necessary.
4.1 What is Modem?

Figure 3-14:Modem

A modem is a device that modulates or demodulates the signal. It maintains a

dedicated connection with the ISP to get the internet connection for home or
business . It acts as a bridge between the internet/telephone line and the
computer .The reason to use the modem for an internet connection is that
both the internet and the computer take two different signals. It means that
the internet sends the analog signal, but the computer system can only
understand the digital signal. So, we need a device that can convert an
analog signal to a digital signal and vice versa. It modulates the incoming
analog signal from the internet to digital signal and directs it to the computer,
and vice versa.Users get the modem from the ISP only when we take a new
internet plan.It also performs data compression, error correction and controls
the flow of information. It speed-up the process of transmission of data by
grouping the data and send it in one go.
4.2 Types of Modems
The modem can be of various types based on data transmission and how it is
installed. These types are given below:
1. External Modem

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  The external modem is connected outside the computer system using a
serial cable.
 The installation is very easy, and it also provides a high data transmission
rate.
 It is expensive but still used due to its high-speed data transmission in
offices, mostly to avoid interruption in network connectivity.
2. Internal Modem
 As its name suggests, the internal modem is installed over a PC's
motherboard, termed as the internal modem.
 It looks similar to an electronic circuit and mounted into an expansion
slot of the motherboard.
 The installation is complex, and its data transmission speed is also slow;
hence it is used for the dedicated computer in homes/ or small spaces.
3. Wireless Modem
 Wireless modems are connected to the computer systems without any
cable, and most people use these modems for their personal use.
 These modems use radio frequencies to transmit the data through the air
and also provides good transmission speed.
4. Dial-up Modem
 Dial-up modem establishes the internet connection by connecting the ISP
to the computer using the conventional telephone line.
 It uses a PSTN facility (Public Switched telephone network) and provides
a transmission speed of 56kb/sec.
5. Cable Modem
 The cable modem is known as the broadband device as it allows the
computer to communicate with ISP over a landline connection.
 It is connected with the landline connection using the coaxial cable and
with the computer using the ethernet.
6. DSL Modem
 DSL stands for Digital Subscriber line that allows the transmission of
data over the normal telephone line.
 It provides a high data transmission speed, hence widely used in
offices/homes.
 It can be used to connect to a computer or router to provide the internet
connection through the ethernet port or USB port.

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  The DSL modems are of two types:
 ADSL Modem
 SDSL Modem
7. Satellite Modem
 Satellite modems are expensive modems and do not require any telephone
connection for the internet.
 It uses satellite technology to send or receive the data.
 The speed of the modem is comparatively slower than DSL or cable
Modem.
8. Half-duplex Modem
 As the name suggests, it allows transmitting the data in one direction only
at a time.
 It means if it is receiving the signal from one end, at that time, it will stop
receiving the signal at another end. Once the transmission of one end is
completed, then only the other end can transmit the data.
9. Full Duplex Modem
 The full-duplex modems can transmit the data from both ends at the same
time.
 It means it can receive the data from one end and the other end
simultaneously without any interruption.
10. Four-wire Modem
 It splits the pair of wires for incoming and outgoing data carriers.
 With this split, it can transmit the same frequency on both ends.
11. Two-wire Modem
 It uses a pair of wires hence called two-wire modems. Only these two
wires are used for incoming and outgoing carriers.
4.3 Advantages of Modems
 The modem enables us to use the internet connection to connect with the
entire world.
 Speed is dependent on the cost of the modem.
4.4 Disadvantages of Modem
 The working of the modem slows down when connected to the hub.
 The modem cannot track the traffic between the LAN and the internet.

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  When using a modem a limited number of network devices can be
connected to the internet.
 Modems have a high rock of security-related attacks.
 The modem does not provide maintenance of traffic.
4.5 Applications of Modem
1.Charging pile data network transmission
When the charging pile is working, the data can be quickly uploaded to the
cloud server through the 4G Modem connected to the charging pile.
2. Data acquisition of distribution box
Some 4G modems with small size and rail installation can be centrally installed
in the low-voltage distribution cabinet to quickly send data to the relevant
control platform.
3. Remote networking alarm
4G Modem can respond quickly and upload the alarm data to the corresponding
monitoring platform at the first time.
4. Smart factory data acquisition
When the Modem device with edge computing function is applied in the factory
environment, it can be connected with the Modbus device, and at the same time,
the device data can be collected by means of cloud collection or edge collection.
4.6 Working of Modem
The two main components of a modem are modulation and demodulation.
Where the modem can perform both tasks simultaneously. The step-by-step
working of the modem is given below:

Figure 3-15:Working of Modem

 Step 1: Data Generation: When data needs to be transmitted it is first

generated .Therefore computer system generated the data which is in
digital form of 0s and 1s.

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 Step 2: Modulation: Modulation is defined as a process of converting
digital data signals of the computer into analog data signals so that these
signals can travel on the internet. The digital data is encoded onto a
carrier wave.
 Step 3: Transmission: The resultant of modulation that is modulated
data is transmitted over the communication line to the modem that is
receiving it.
 Step 4: Demodulation: Demodulation is defined as a process in which
analog data signals from the internet are converted into digital data
signals so they can be understood by computer systems.
 Step 5: Decoding: The resultant of demodulation that is demodulated
data is being sent to the computer systems for their further use.

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