What is a Computer Networking and Network Device?

Computer networking is the process of connecting devices to share data and

resources. It allows people to communicate and collaborate remotely, and
access resources from multiple locations. Network device is a physical device
that is used to connect other physical devices on a network.
Common Types of Networking Devices and their Uses
Network devices serve as intermediaries, facilitating the transmission of data
between other devices, and thus play a vital role in the functioning of a
computer network.

1. Hub
A hub connects multiple Ethernet devices into a single network segment. It
operates at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model and broadcasts
incoming data to all connected ports except the one it received from. A host is a
device which sends or receives the data. Examples are PCs, Laptops, Mobile
Phones, Printers, etc.

2. Switch
A switch operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. It uses MAC
addresses to forward data packets between devices within a LAN, improving
network efficiency by reducing collisions and segmenting traffic into separate
collision domains.

3. Repeater
A repeater strengthens weakened signals in a network cable by regenerating
them at their original strength. This allows signals to travel longer distances
without degradation3. Repeaters operate at Layer 1 of the OSI model.

4. Bridge
Bridges connect two segments of a network using the same protocol and
operate at the data link layer (Layer 2). They filter traffic based on MAC
addresses, reducing congestion by dividing networks into smaller segments.

5. Router
Routers connect multiple networks together and route traffic between them
using IP addresses at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model. They enable
communication between different subnets or networks.

These five devices form foundational components in building efficient computer

networks for various applications ranging from local area networks to wide area
networks and beyond.
Comparison Table
Device Function OSI
Layer
Hub Connects multiple devices; amplifies signal Physical

Switch Forwards packets based on MAC Data Link

addresses
Repeater Regenerates weakened signals Physical

Bridge Connects two segments; filters based on Data Link

MACs
Router Routes traffic across different networks Network
 What is a Network?
A network is a system of connected devices that allow users to
communicate and share resources. Networks can be made up of computers,
devices, or other nodes.

Types of Network

Networks can be categorized by several methods, including the technology used

and the size of the network. When networks are categorized by size or physical area
they cover, these are the categories used:

1. Personal Area Network (PAN) - consists of personal devices communicating at close

range such as a cell phone and notebook computer. PANs can use wired connections
(such as USB or FireWire) or wireless connections (such as Bluetooth or infrared). The
reach of a PAN is typically at least about 20-30 feet (approximately 6-9 meters), but this
is expected to increase with technology improvements.

Figure 2: Personal Area Network

2. Local Area Network (LAN) - covers a small local area such as a home, office, other
building, or small group of buildings. LANs can use wired (most likely Ethernet) or
wireless (most likely Wi-Fi, also called 802.11) technologies. A LAN is used for
workstations, servers, printers, and other devices to communicate and share resources.
 Figure 3: Local Area Network
3. Wireless LAN (WLAN) - covers a limited geographical area and is popular in places where
networking cables are difficult to install, such as outdoors, in public places, and in homes that
are not wired for networks. They are also useful in hotel rooms.

Figure 4: Wireless Local Area Network

4. Campus Area Network (CAN) - a computer network made up of an interconnection of local

area networks (LANs) within a limited geographical area. It can be considered one form of a
metropolitan area network, specific to an academic setting.

Figure 5: Campus Area Network

5. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - covers a large campus or city. (A small MAN is
sometimes called a CAN or campus area network.) Network technologies used can be wireless
(most likely LTE or WiMAX) and/or wired (for example, Ethernet with fiber-optic cabling).
 Figure 6: Metropolitan Area Network

6. Wide Area Network (WAN) - covers a large geographical area and is made up of
many smaller networks. The best-known WAN is the Internet. Some technologies used
to connect a single computer or LAN to the Internet include DSL, cable Internet,
satellite, cellular WAN, and fiber optic.

Figure 7: Wide Area Network

7. Global Area Network (GAN) - specification is in development by several groups, and

there is no common definition. In general, however, a GAN is a model for supporting
mobile communications across an arbitrary number of wireless LANs, satellite coverage
areas, etc. The key challenge in mobile communications is "handing off the user
communications from one local coverage area to the next. In IEEE Project 802, this
involves a succession of terrestrial WIRELESS local area networks (WLAN).

Figure 8: Global Area Network

8. Virtual Private Network (VPN) - a computer network in which some of the links
between nodes are carried by open connections or virtual circuits in some larger
network (e.g., the Internet) instead of by physical wires. The data link layer protocols of
the virtual network are said to be tunneled through the larger network when this is the
case. One common application is secure communications through the public Internet,
but a VPN need not have explicit security features, such as authentication or content
encryption.

What is Network Topology?

Network topology is the way devices are connected in a network. It
defines how these components are connected and how data is transferred
between the network. Understanding the different types of network topologies
can help in choosing the right design for a specific network.

There are two major categories of Network Topology i.e. Physical Network
topology and Logical Network Topology. Physical Network Topology refers to the
actual structure of the physical medium for the transmission of data. Logical
network Topology refers to the transmission of data between devices present in
the network irrespective of the way devices are connected. The structure of the
network is important for the proper functioning of the network. One must
choose the most suitable topology as per their requirement.

Types of Network Topology

 Mesh Topology
 Star Topology
 Bus Topology
 Ring Topology

1. Mesh Topology
In a mesh network, each node (a computer or other device that uses the
network) on the network is responsible for sending and receiving transmissions
to any other node to which it wants to communicate without a central point of
communication. When each node connects to every node on the network, the
network is called a fully connected mesh topology.
2. Ring Network
In a ring network, nodes form a ring. Really old IBM Token Ring networks worked
by passing a token around the ring. This topology is seldom used today because
one down computer or a broken cable can halt all communication on the ring.
3. Bus Network
Another old topology is a bus network whereby all computers are connected in a
sequential line. The bus network worked better than a ring network because one
down computer does not prevent other computers from communicating on the
bus. However, a broken cable can still bring down an entire bus network.

4. Star Network
A star network uses a centralized device to manage traffic on the network. This
centralized device can be a switch or hub that offers multiple network ports or
wireless connections. (Hubs are not as efficient as switches and no longer sold
even though you might still see a hub in use.) Star networks are almost totally
used for LANs today. An advantage of a star network is that one down computer
or one broken cable does not bring down the entire network. When a star
network uses multiple switches in sequence, the switches form a bus network,
and the network topology is called a star bus network or a hybrid network.