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Network_Devices

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Network_Devices

Uploaded by

xodiw23656
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Network Devices

Alt text: Connecting modem Alt text: Connecting laptop


with modem ethernet cable with an ethernet cable

Let’s now learn about common networking devices:

a. Switch: If you have multiple devices, add a switch to expand the number
of available ports.

Connect the modem to the switch, then run Ethernet cables from the
switch to your devices. This setup allows file sharing and internet access
across all connected devices.

Alt text: multiple devices are connected through switch

b. Router: For better security and more device connections, add a router
between the modem and your devices.

The router creates a private network, isolating your devices from the
public internet.

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Connect the modem to the router's WAN/Internet port, then connect your
devices to the router's LAN ports.

The router assigns IP addresses to all devices and routes traffic between
the private network and the public internet.

Alt text: Device is connected to a router

c. Hub: An older device that connects multiple Ethernet devices, but unlike a
switch, it broadcasts data to all devices connected to it, regardless of the
intended recipient. Hubs are less common now due to the prevalence of
switches.

d. Modem: A device that modulates and demodulates digital data to allow a


computer or other device to access the Internet over a telephone or cable
line. Modems can be DSL modems, cable modems, or satellite modems,
among others.

e. Repeater: A device that receives a signal and retransmits it at a higher


power level or to the other side of an obstruction, effectively extending the
range of a network.

f. Bridge: A device that connects two or more network segments, making


them act as a single network. Bridges operate at the data link layer (Layer
2) of the OSI model.

g. Gateway: A device that connects two networks using different protocols


so that information can be passed from one to the other. Gateways can
operate at any layer of the OSI model, translating data as needed.

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h. Ethernet Adapter (Network Interface Card - NIC): Hardware that allows
devices to connect to an Ethernet network. It is typically installed inside a
computer or device and provides the physical interface between the
device and the network.

Configuring a basic network topology involves a series of steps to set up,


adjust, and optimise network devices to establish reliable connectivity and
ensure efficient communication within the network environment.
Here are the steps to configure a network:

1. Identify Network Requirements: Determine the purpose of the network, the


number of devices to be connected, and the type of connectivity required
(wired or wireless).

2. Select Network Devices: Choose the necessary network devices based on


the network requirements. Common devices include routers, switches,
access points, and network cables.

3. Plan Network Layout: Design the layout of the network topology, including
the placement of devices and the connections between them. Consider
factors such as distance, traffic flow, and security.

4. Connect Devices: Provided by your ISP, a modem converts the signal from
your ISP into a format your PC can understand. Connect the ISP cable to the
modem, then connect an Ethernet cable from the modem to your laptop
for the simplest setup.

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is assigned to every device on a network,


serving as its identity. Without an IP address, devices cannot communicate or
receive data.

It is important to learn how to configure various networking devices. To


provide wireless access, connect a WAP to a LAN port on the router or switch.
This allows wireless devices to join the network and access the internet. Lets
learn to configure a router and a switch.

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Configure a Router:
1. Access Router's Configuration Interface:
● Connect your computer to the router either via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.

● Open a web browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar.

Common router IP addresses include 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

● Log in to the router's administration interface using the username and

password provided by the manufacturer (default credentials are often


admin/admin or admin/password).

Alt text: Device is connected to wireless router.

2. Configure Switches:
Access Switch's Configuration Interface:
● Connect your computer to the switch using an Ethernet cable.

● Open a web browser and enter the switch's IP address, if it has one, or

access the configuration interface through a console cable and terminal


emulator like PuTTY.

● Log in to the switch's administration interface using the provided

credentials.

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Configure Basic Settings for Your Wireless Network

1. SSID (Service Set Identifier):


a. This is the name of your wireless network that users will see when they
search for available networks on their devices.
b. It's recommended to choose a unique name that you can easily identify
and that users can recognize as belonging to your network.

2. Security Settings:
a. Select WPA2 encryption for enhanced security. WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected
Access 2) is currently one of the most secure encryption methods
available for wireless networks.
b. Set a strong password or passphrase. This password will be required for
devices to connect to your wireless network.
c. A strong passphrase should ideally be long, include a mix of letters (both
upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters. Avoid easily
guessable phrases or common words.

3. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol):


a. Enable DHCP. DHCP allows your router or access point to automatically
assign IP addresses to devices that connect to your network.

b. This simplifies the process for users because they don't have to manually
configure their devices with IP addresses, subnet masks, default
gateways, etc.

c. Most home and small office networks use DHCP to manage IP address
assignment efficiently.

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