Network Hubs: Active vs Passive Hub

Network Devices

• Hub: A network hub is a simple network device that connects multiple devices together, but it cannot filter information, reduce network traffic, or broadcast data to all ports.
• Types of Hubs:
  • Active Hub: Has its own power supply, cleans and boosts the signal, and extends the distance between nodes.
  • Passive Hub: Collects wiring from the power supply and different nodes of an active hub, but does not improve or clean the signal.

Repeater

• A repeater reproduces the signal on a similar network before it gets weak or damaged, but does not strengthen the signal.
• It is a two-port device: one port for incoming signals and one for outgoing signals.
• Effective in office buildings, schools, and factories where a single wireless router cannot reach all areas.

Bridge

• A bridge unites two or more network segments, storing and transmitting frames among the various segments.
• It aggregates partitioned network segments and controls traffic that moves between them.
• Types of Bridges:
  • Transparent Bridge: Interconnects LANs that use the same protocol suite.
  • Translation Bridge: Joins LANs that use different protocols.
• A bridge builds a lookup table of MAC addresses and port locations to determine whether to forward a frame or discard it.

Router

• A router receives, analyzes, and forwards incoming packets to another network based on the target IP address.
• It uses a routing table to decide the best available route for the packet to reach its destination quickly and accurately.
• The routing table can be of two types.

Switch

• A switch is a physical circuitry part that controls the flow of signals in networking.
• It enables opening or closing a connection to allow or stop the flow of signals.
• A switch is more advanced than a hub, but less advanced than a router.
• It allocates bandwidth for each port, unlike a hub that shares bandwidth among all its ports.

Access Point

• An access point (AP) is a wireless network device that acts as a portal for devices to connect to a local area network.
• It can extend an existing network's wireless coverage and increase the number of users who can connect.
• Advantages:
  • Easier and faster to install.
  • Allows data transmission even when the user is moving.
  • Simple to extend to places where wires and cables are inaccessible.
• Disadvantages:
  • Limited range of network devices, causing issues for many users.
  • Other disadvantages (not specified).