Информатика

Hubs receive data on one port and then send it out to all other ports. A hub extends the reach of a network because it regenerates the electrical signal. Hubs can also connect to another networking device, such as a switch or router, which connects to other sections of the network. Hubs are used less often today because of the effectiveness and low cost of switches.

A switch microsegments a LAN. Microsegmenting means that switches filter and segment network traffic by sending data only to the device to which it is sent. This provides higher dedicated bandwidth to each device on the network. If there is only one device attached to each port on a switch it operates in FullDuplex mode. 

Wireless access points provide network access to wireless devices, such as laptops and tablets. The wireless access point uses radio waves to communicate with the wireless NIC in the devices and other wireless access points. An access point has a limited range of coverage. Large networks require several access points to provide adequate wireless coverage. 

Routers connect networks. Routers use IP addresses to forward traffic to other networks. A router can be a computer with special network software installed, or a device built by network equipment manufacturers. In larger networks, routers connect to switches, which then connect to LANs. The router serves as the gateway to outside networks.