What is Computer Network components ?


Computer network components is a Two or more devices are connected to each other for the purpose of sharing data or resources and user can communication from a network. 
Some important network components are Bridge, Switch, Hub, Router, Repeater and Gateway.

Computer Network Devices 

  1.  Hub
  2.  Bridges
  3.  Router
  4.  Switch
  5.  Repeater
  6.  Gateway

1. Hub :

Hub is used to connect various hardware devices. Two or more networks are connected by the hub so that they can exchange data.
It functions in  (physical layer) of the OSI model.
The hub has a lot of ports. hub sends data packets coming from any one port to all other ports. It depends on the receiving computer (port) to decide whether the packet is for it or not.
Hubs are used to connect different computers in the local area network (LAN) to a star or hierachical topology.


Types of Hub :

1. Passive Hub :
A Passive Hub simply combined the signals of a network.

2. Active Hub :
Active hubs are a little smarter comparison between passive hubs. In this, the signal is regenerated, so they also act as repeaters. These are called multiport repeaters. It requires a power supply.


2. Bridges :



Bridge is also a computer networking device and works on the Data Link Layer of The OSI  Model. The bridge sends packets between two network segments that use the same Communications Protocol. The bridge has two ports, one coming in and the other outgoing to connect the other parts of the network.
The bridge checks the destination address before sending the data. If the bridge finds the destination address, it sends the data otherwise it will not transmit the data.
Bridges are used to extend the network by maintaining data signals and traffic.


3. Router :



Router is an inter networking device used to connect different networks with each other.
The router uses the software to check the address on the data packets sent over the network and transmit it in the right direction. Routing table is used for this.
It works in layer 3 (network layer) of the osi model.
It filters the data based on IP address.


4. Switch :



Switch is a hardware device , which connects multiple devices  on various computers network.
It is used in star topology.
It works in layer 2 (data list layer) of the OSI model,
The switch has built-in hardware chips that perform the function of switching. Hence its speed is very fast and they come with many ports.
It goes as a data frame and also performs data filtering like a bridge.
A switch is a complete duplex device in which the host can send and receive data simultaneously.


5. Repeater :



The repeater is an electronic device that works on the physical layer of the OSI model. It is used to increase transmission so that the signal can cover long distances. Meaning repeater is used to regenerate signals before they become weak. 
Repeater is of two types :
  • Analog repeater
  • Digital repeater 
 Analog repeater :only amplifies the signal.
 Digital repeater : reconstructs the signal and removes the errors and sends them forward.


6. Gateway :


Gateway is a node on network that serves as an entrance to another network.
A Gateway can be completely implemented in software, completely in hardware or combination of both.