Directing Network Traffic

[beingchinmay]

The critical test of any network design is its capability to direct network traffic from one node to another node. You must connect the network’s various devices in a configuration that enables the network to pass signals among the devices as efficiently as possible, taking into account the type of network and the different connectivity requirements for the network. The following are the basic connection devices:


Repeaters These extend the distance that network traffic can travel over a particular type of network media.

Hubs (concentrators) These devices are used to connect nodes to one another when you use a star topology, such as 100Base-T.

Bridges These are basically intelligent repeaters that direct traffic from one segment to another only when the traffic is destined for the other segment.

Routers These can intelligently route network traffic in a variety of important ways.

Switches These form fast point-to-point connections for all the devices connected to them. Connections from one port on a switch to another port are made on an as-needed basis and are not broadcast to ports that aren’t involved in the traffic. By limiting the connections made, switches help eliminate traffic collisions caused by non communicating segments.