1. Keri Michalski-Smith Bryant & Stratton College INFT 230: Data Communications and Networks August 10, 2009 Hubs, Switches, Routers and Access Points

2. Hubs Most basic ‘unintelligent’connectivity device Regenerates digital signal They cannot: read data, interpret higher layer details in data forms, or direct data to its destination Includes numerous data ports allowing for connection of patch cables to network nodes

3. Switches Subdivide network into smaller segments using MAC address data Can serve multiple functions (routing, network connectivity, traffic management, security) Vary in scale and function Includes multiple ports allowing other nodes to connect

4. Switch Installation/Configuration Follow manufacturer guidelines Place switch in its permanent location Plug in and turn on BEFORE connection cables to ports Wait for self-test to conclude, as indicated by steady, green light Assigned IP Address, also making sure to change Admin password, and/or management functions. Further configure by connecting to PC, running config utility from manufacturer CD

5. Switch Installation/Configuration Connect nodes to switch using one of port’s switches using straight-through patch cable. If connecting to connectivity device do not connect patch cables from nodes to uplink port or port adjacent to it 6) After all nodes are connected, and you’re not attaching to another device, turn nodes on. After network connection is established, verify link and check ports are operating correctly. Check that nodes can access the network

6. Switch Installation/Configuration On larger networks, crossover patch cables should be inserted in switch’s uplink port and the other end into connectivity device There are various wiring schemes that could be utilized for larger networks depending on set-up and configuration

7. 2 Main Switching Methods utilized for interpreting incoming frames and determining these frames Cut-Through Mode, Interprets header frame determining where to send data before obtaining entire packet. This is done WITHOUT verifying rest of frame for accuracy. Integrity can be corrupted. Speed is the advantage. Best for small workgroups Store-and-Forward Mode, verified entire frame for accuracy prior to transmission. Offers more security. Used on larger LANs. Preferred method of switching.

8. Routers Intelligent connectivity device that guides data between network nodes Assimilates LANs and WANs of different transmission rates utilizing various protocols Interprets logical addressing information Resolves shortest path to network Advances packet to destination path

9. Router Set Up and Configuration Additional factors can determine set up: Convergence time, the time taken by the router to recognize best path to network during outage or congestion RIP (Routing Information Protocol), a distance vector protocol which factors in quantity of ‘hops’ between nodes and decides best path from one point to another, but does not consider network configuration, link speed, slow convergence time. Considered unsecure but stable.

10. Router Set Up and ConfigurationAdditional factors can determine set up: RIPv2 (Routing Information Protocol) , generates less broadcast traffic, more secure than earlier versions, still slow, used commonly on link-state routing protocols BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), uses specific messages traveling between routers over TCP sessions, determines best path based on many factors, most complex of all routing protocols

11. Router Set Up and ConfigurationAdditional factors can determine set up: Link state enables router across network to share information, each router independently maps network to determine best path between it and its destination node OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), no ‘hop’ limits on transmission path, utilizes complex algorithm to decide upon best path – generally the most direct between two nodes IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System), used on interior router only, least common Hybrid: EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), fast convergence time, low network overhead, easy to configure, less CPU intensive, supports multiple protocols and limits those that are unnecessary

12. Access Point (AP) Central device that accepts signals from numerous nodes connecting via wireless NIC AP should be placed in central location to allow for maximum power to nodes on network Popularity has grown enormously Wireless connections available in coffee shops, government facilities, libraries, and certain metropolitan areas, just to name a few Security is vital on wireless VLANs

13. Hubs, Switches, Routers and Access Points -THE END- Keri Michalski-Smith Bryant & Stratton College INFT 230: Data Communications and Networks August 10, 2009