Scribd
Upload
21 views7 pages

Network Lab 2

The document outlines a laboratory assignment focused on studying various network devices, including repeaters, hubs, switches, bridges, routers, and gateways. Each device's definition, working principle, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and applications are detailed to enhance understanding of their roles in computer networking. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of these devices in designing efficient and secure networks.

Uploaded by

kartikmaity507
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
21 views7 pages

Network Lab 2

The document outlines a laboratory assignment focused on studying various network devices, including repeaters, hubs, switches, bridges, routers, and gateways. Each device's definition, working principle, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and applications are detailed to enhance understanding of their roles in computer networking. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of these devices in designing efficient and secure networks.

Uploaded by

kartikmaity507
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

Network lab 2

B.Tech Laboratory Assignment: Study of Network Devices

Title: Study of Network Devices

Objective:

To understand the working, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and


applications of various network devices used in computer networking.

Network Devices:

The following network devices are studied in this experiment:

1. Repeater

2. Hub

3. Switch

4. Bridge

5. Router

6. Gateway
1. Repeater

Definition:

A repeater is a network device that regenerates and amplifies weak or corrupted


signals to extend network coverage.

Working Principle:

The repeater receives a weak signal.

It amplifies the signal and retransmits it.

The regenerated signal maintains the original data integrity.

Characteristics:

Operates at the Physical Layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model.

Does not modify or filter data.


Works with both wired and wireless networks.
Advantages:

Extends network coverage.

Reduces signal attenuation and distortion.

Supports both analog and digital signals.

Disadvantages:

Introduces slight delays.


Cannot filter network traffic.

Does not improve network security.

Applications:

Used in long-distance Ethernet and fiber-optic communications.

Employed in wireless networks to enhance coverage.


2. Hub

Definition:

A hub is a simple networking device that connects multiple computers in a network


and transmits data to all connected devices.

Working Principle:

Receives incoming data packets.

Broadcasts them to all connected devices regardless of destination.

Characteristics:

Operates at the Physical Layer (Layer 1).

Does not differentiate between devices.

No data filtering or intelligent traffic management.

Advantages:
Simple and inexpensive.

Supports multiple device connections.

Works in star topology networks.

Disadvantages:

Creates network congestion.

No collision handling (in half-duplex mode).

Does not provide traffic control.

Applications:

Used in small networks for simple connectivity.

Employed in legacy networks before switches were introduced.


3. Switch

Definition:

A switch is an intelligent network device that connects multiple devices and directs
data only to the intended recipient based on MAC addresses.

Working Principle:

Receives a data packet.

Uses the MAC address table to determine the recipient.

Forwards data only to the correct port.

Characteristics:

Operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2), some at Network Layer (Layer 3).

Supports full-duplex communication.

Maintains a MAC address table for efficient traffic handling.

Advantages:

Reduces network congestion.


Improves bandwidth efficiency.

Supports VLAN and network segmentation.

Disadvantages:

More expensive than hubs.

Requires configuration in managed networks.

Cannot connect different network architectures.

Applications:

Used in LANs for efficient data transfer.

Applied in enterprise networks for traffic management.


4. Bridge

Definition:

A bridge is a device that connects and controls traffic between two or more network
segments.

Working Principle:

Examines incoming MAC addresses.


Determines whether to forward or filter traffic.

Connects two LANs efficiently.

Characteristics:

Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer).

Filters and forwards traffic based on MAC addresses.

Reduces collision domains.

Advantages:

Reduces overall network traffic.


Increases efficiency by segmenting LANs.
Enhances network performance.

Disadvantages:

Slower than switches.

Cannot route between different network architectures.


Applications:

Used in large LANs to reduce congestion.

Applied in wireless networks as Wi-Fi bridges.


5. Router

Definition:

A router is a network device that forwards data packets between different networks
based on IP addresses.

Working Principle:

Analyzes destination IP address.

Determines the optimal route using routing protocols.

Forwards packets accordingly.

Characteristics:

Operates at Layer 3 (Network Layer).

Uses routing tables and protocols (RIP, OSPF, BGP).

Supports NAT, DHCP, and firewall functionalities.

Advantages:

Provides efficient traffic management.

Enhances network security.

Supports multiple network connections.


Disadvantages:

More expensive than switches.


Complex to configure and manage.

Applications:

Used in home and office networks for internet connectivity.

Deployed in ISPs for large-scale networking.


6. Gateway

Definition:
A gateway is a network device that connects two different networks using different
protocols and architectures.

Working Principle:

Translates network protocols.

Converts data formats.

Enables communication between different network types.

Characteristics:

Works across multiple OSI layers (from *Transport to Application Layer*).

Acts as a *protocol converter*.

Can be implemented in software or hardware.

Advantages:

Enables interoperability between different network architectures.

Provides data format conversion.

Supports network security policies.


Disadvantages:

Higher processing requirements.

Can introduce latency.

Complex configuration.
Applications:

Used in VoIP communication.

Applied in cloud computing for remote access.

Used in enterprise networks for protocol translation.

Conclusion:

Each of the network devices studied serves a specific role in communication


networks.
Repeaters amplify signals to extend network reach.

Hubs connect multiple devices but do not filter traffic.

Switches direct data based on MAC addresses for efficient networking.


Bridges connect network segments and reduce congestion.

Routers direct packets between different networks using IP addresses.

Gateways facilitate communication between networks using different protocols.

Understanding these devices helps in designing efficient, scalable, and secure


networks.

You might also like