CORE NETWORKING

DEVICES

ROUTER
MODEL : ROUTER

Are essential devices in networking that connect multiple networks, directing data packets
between them. They operate primarily at layer 3 of the OSI model, making for warding
decisions based on IP ADDRESSES.

FEATURES :

 Determines optimal data paths using routing tables.

 Network Address Translation (NAT): Allows multiple devices to share a single IP

address.

 Quality of Service (Qos): Prioritizes critical data traffic.

PURPOSE :

Routers enable communication between devices across different networks, manage traffic
efficiently, and enhance network security by filtering data packets.

SCENARIO: High-Speed Internet for Families

The router ensures fast and reliable internet connections for families with multiple devices,
ensuring efficient streaming, video calls, and online gaming.
 CORE NETWORKING DEVICES

Switch (Managed)

MODEL: SWITCH (MANAGED) :

Managed switches are advance network devices design for complex networks requiring
control, security, and performance.

CATEGORY:

They are categorized as enterprise-level switches, idea for larger organizations with
demanding networks needs.

FEATURES:

 Traffic Management : Prioritizes data flow and support VLANs.

 Security: Configure security settings to protect network access.
 Monitoring: SNMP support for real-time status tracking and troubleshooting.

PURPOSE:

Their primary purpose is to enable network administrators to manage, configure, and

optimize the perfomance of large networks efficiently.
 CORE NETWORKING DEVICES

Switch (Unmanaged)

MODEL : SWITCH (UNMANAGED) :

Basic networking devices designed or simple connectivity without configuration.

CATEGORY:

They fall under the category of basic network switches suitable for small networks.

FEATURES:

 Plug-and-Play: Easy installation with no configuration needed.

 MAC Address Table: Dynamically learns device addresses, reducing collisions.
 Cost-Effective: Lower price point compared to managed switches.

PURPOSE:

Unmanaged switches primarily connect devices within a local area network (LAN), providing
straigthforward communication without the need for advanced management or monitoring
capabilities.
 CORE NETWORKING DEVICES

Hub
MODEL: HUB

Hubs are basic networking devices that connect multiple Ethenet devices, functioning
primarily at the physical layer of the OSI model.

CATEGORY:

they are classified as basic network devices suitable for small local area networks (LANs).

FEATURES:

 Broadcasting: Sends data to all connected devices.

 Half-Duplex: Allows data transmission in one direction at a time.
 No Filtering: Does not filter or manage traffic.

PURPOSE:

Hubs serve as a central connection point in a netwok, facilitating communication point in a

network, facilitating communication between devices without any advanced management or
routing capabilities.
 CORE NETWORKING
DEVICES

Gateway Overview
MODEL: GATEWAY

Various types of gateways exist, including API Gateways for microservices and BPMN
Gateways for process modeling.

CATEGORY:

Gateways can be categorized into API Gateways, which manage API traffic and provide a
unified access point, and BPMN Gateways, which control process flows in business
modeling.

FEATURES:

 API Gateway: Traffic management, protocol translation, caching, load balancing,

security, and analytics36.
 BPMN Gateway: Decision-making paths (exclusive, inclusive), parallel execution, and
event-based control45.

PURPOSE:

Gateways streamline communication and management in complex architectures, enhancing

scalability and efficiency in both software and business processes36.

SCENARIO:

In a microservices setup, an API Gateway routes requests to various services, while a BPMN
Gateway directs workflow based on conditions or events within a business process.
 CORE NETWORKING DEVICES

Modem Overview
MODEL: MODEM

Various models exist, including DSL, cable, dial-up, fiber-optic, and wireless modems.

CATEGORY:

Modems can be categorized into wired (e.g., DSL, cable) and wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi modems).

FEATURES:

 Signal Conversion: Converts digital data to analog signals and vice versa for
transmission over various media12.
 Data Compression and Error Correction: Enhances bandwidth usage and ensures data
integrity1.
 Connectivity Options: Supports different technologies like DSL, cable, and satellite for
internet access23.

PURPOSE:

The primary purpose of a modem is to facilitate internet connectivity by enabling

communication between digital devices and analog networks34.

SCENARIO:

In a home network, a cable modem connects to the ISP via coaxial cable, allowing multiple
devices to access high-speed internet simultaneously through Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections.
 CORE NETWORKING DEVICES

Access Points (AP) Overview

MODEL: ACCESS POINT

Various models include Standalone APs, Multifunction APs, and Controlled APs.

CATEGORY:

Access points are categorized into Commercial APs for public spaces and Enterprise APs for
business environments, as well as by installation type (e.g., Ceiling APs, In-wall APs) and
frequency bands (e.g., Dual-band APs).

FEATURES:

 Connectivity Modes: Root, client, repeater, bridge, and mesh modes for flexible
network configurations.
 Protocols Supported: IEEE 802.11 standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6) for varying
performance and range.
 Management Options: Standalone or controller-managed setups for centralized control.

PURPOSE:

Access points provide wireless connectivity to devices, enabling seamless communication

within networks.
 CORE NETWORKING DEVICES

Network Interface Card (NIC)

MODEL: NETWORK INTERFACE CARD

Common models include Ethernet NICs, Wireless NICs, Fiber Optic NICs, and USB NICs.

CATEGORY:

NICs can be categorized into Wired (e.g., Ethernet, Fiber Optic) and Wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth).

FEATURES:

 Data Transfer Rates: Ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, accommodating various
network demands.
 Interface Types: PCI, PCIe, USB for different connection needs.
 Integrated Components: Include controllers, ports for connections, and LED indicators
for status.

PURPOSE:

The primary purpose of a NIC is to enable communication between a computer and a

network, facilitating data exchange.

SCENARIO:

In a home office, a computer equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet NIC connects to a router via
an Ethernet cable, providing high-speed internet access for video conferencing and large file
transfers.
 CORE NETWORKING DEVICES

Hardware Firewall Overview

MODEL: HARDWARE FIREWALL

Examples include Cisco Firepower, Fortinet FortiGate, and Netgate pfSense.

CATEGORY:

Hardware firewalls are categorized as stateful and stateless, with next-generation firewalls
offering advanced features.

FEATURES:

 Traffic Filtering: Monitors and filters incoming and outgoing traffic based on defined
security policies.
 Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Detects and blocks potential threats in real-time.
 Centralized Management: Allows uniform policy application across the network for
streamlined security.

PURPOSE:

The primary purpose is to protect networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats by
controlling traffic flow.

SCENARIO:
In a corporate environment, a hardware firewall sits between the internal network and the
internet, filtering all traffic to prevent data breaches and ensuring secure remote access for
employees.

CORE NETWORKING
DEVICES

Load Balancer Overview

MODEL: LOAD BALANCER

Common models include Hardware Load Balancers, Software Load Balancers, and Cloud-
Based Load Balancers.

CATEGORY:

Load balancers are categorized into Layer 4 (Network) and Layer 7 (Application) load
balancers, with options for Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB) and Hybrid Load
Balancers.

FEATURES:

 Traffic Distribution: Efficiently distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers.

 Health Monitoring: Continuously checks server health to ensure reliability.
 Scalability: Easily accommodates varying traffic loads, especially in cloud
environments.

PURPOSE:
The primary purpose is to enhance application availability, optimize resource utilization, and
improve response times by balancing workloads.

SCENARIO:

In an e-commerce platform, a Layer 7 load balancer directs user requests to various

application servers based on real-time traffic conditions, ensuring fast response times during
peak shopping seasons.

Cables and Conector

Ethernet Cable Overview

MODEL: ETHERNET CABLE

Common models include Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8.

CATEGORY:
Ethernet cables are categorized by performance standards, with each subsequent category
offering improved speed and bandwidth capabilities.

FEATURES:

 Cat5e: Supports up to 1 Gbps, 100 MHz bandwidth, typically unshielded.

 Cat6: Up to 10 Gbps for short distances (37-55 m), 250 MHz bandwidth, often shielded.

 Cat7: Up to 10 Gbps, 600 MHz bandwidth, fully shielded.

 Cat8: Supports up to 40 Gbps, 2000 MHz bandwidth, designed for short distances (up to
30 m).

PURPOSE:
Ethernet cables facilitate high-speed data transmission in local area networks (LANs),
connecting devices like computers and routers.

SCENARIO:

In a data center, Cat8 cables are used for high-speed connections

between servers due to their ability to handle significant bandwidth over
short distances, ensuring efficient data transfer

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 Networking
Submitted by: Princes Joy Boya

Submitted to : Rhea Mae Senajon