COMPUTER EDUCATION 10

Network Devices       These are the devices that connect the end devices together to allow then to communicate. They can be in the form of switches, hubs, or concentrators, etc. The Hub       A hub is a simple device that directs data packets to all devices connected to it. Basically, a hub does nothing except provide a pathway for the electrical signals and regenerate signal before it forwards it to all connected devices.      In a hub, a message is passed along or "broadcast" to every one of its ports. It does not matter that the message is only destined for one port. The hub has no way of distinguishing which port a message should be sent to. Passing it along to every port ensures that it will reach its intended destination. This places a lot of traffic on the network and can lead to poor network response times. The Switch       Similar to hubs, switches are the connectivity point o...

Network Topology - refers to the layout or structure of the network in relation with the flow of data. It is the way in which the elements such as computers, printers, servers, and other computing appliances are arranged in a network. In this instance, you take note not only of the device's location, but also how it is connected to the network, the type of cables in use, and its layout. On the other hand,   Logical Topology   - depicts how information flows from one device to another within the network regardless of its physical design. Distances between nodes, physical interconnections, transmission rates, and/or signal types may differ between two networks, yet their topologies may be identical. Types of Network Topologies 1.) Linear Bus Topology - is a type of network topology in which each device is connected one after the other in a sequential chain (shown right). In this case, the bus is the network connection between the devices, a...