INTRODUCTION OF NETWORKING HARDWARE - PART #2

Previously we already discussed 6 of network hardware, we continue the next hardware. Read my recent post : Part #1

7. Repeater

Repeater Definition
The next type of computer networking hardware is a repeater. Simply put, a repeater is a tool used to amplify a signal inside a computer network. It works roughly as follows: the signal received from one segment of the LAN cable to the next LAN segment will be processed, then retransmitted with the same power as the original signal in the other segment.

Repeater function
The function of the repeater in general is to repeat the signal, in order to amplify the received signal from a segment of the network before it is re-emitted so that it is stronger and can reach a longer distance or extend the range. With the repeater, the distance between workstations can be made farther without worrying about the loss of signal.

8. Bridge

Network Bridge Definition
Among other computer network hardware, it can be said that bridge is one of the sophisticated tools as well as intelligent. The bridge is a device that connects multiple networks to obtain an efficient network, where most bridges can know each address of each segment of the computer in the surrounding network.

Bridge Function
Basically bridge function is almost similar to repeater function, it's just bridge more intelligent and flexible than repeater. One of the advantages bridge that can connect networks that use different transmission methods, such as connecting Ethernet baseband with Ethernet broadband, or connect different types of topologies.
If the analogy is simple, the way the bridge works resembles a traffic policeman who arranges at a crossroads during peak hours. A bridge is a device that keeps information between both sides of the network up and running, connecting multiple separate networks (both the same and different networks), and mapping network addresses and allowing only necessary data traffic.

9. Router

Router Definition
Understanding Router is one of the hardware in a computer network that is equipped by Network Operating System so that it can connect two or more different computer networks. Simply put, the router is used to divide the protocol to other networks, so the protocol can be shared to several other network devices at once.
Routers have the ability to filter or filter data passing through the network based on certain rules or protocols. If simplified, the router is a tool that determines which path is best for the data packets to pass so that the data can get to its destination. The router will search for the best path to transmit a signal based on the destination address and the original address.
When compared to a bridge that can find the address of each computer on each network side of the network, the router can actually know the whole network to see the most busy side and the router can also pull data from the busy side.

Router Functions
At a glance, the router functions similar to other computer network hardware functions such as hub / switch. It's just that if the switch is more functioning as connecting some tools to form a Local Area Network (LAN), the router has a wider capability because it serves as a link between multiple networks to forward data from one network to another network such as LAN, MAN, even WAN.

10. Gateway

Gateway definition
In Indonesian, the term gateway can be defined as 'network gate'. While the meaning of the gateway itself is a device in the form of hardware or software in a computer network, which is used to connect a computer network with one or more other computer networks that use different communication protocols.
Generally the use of gateways is more often applied to computer networks with large scale. As a result the use of gateways so rarely found and cause errors of perception among users of computer networks who often assume that the gateway has the same definition and concept of how the router works. Whereas if traced deeper, actually gateways and routers have details of different ways of working and can not be said just like that.

Gateway function
The gateway function is to connect one computer network with another computer network even though both networks use different communication protocol. Simply put, g ateway is a bridge between two applications or networks that are not compatible, so it can exchange data between different computers.

11. Modem

Modem Definition
The next tool that fall into the category of all kinds of computer network hardware is a modem. The definition of modem is an abbreviation of two words consisting of: Modulator and Demodulator. Definition Modulator is a tool in charge of converting the information signal into the carrier signal (carrier) in order to be sent to the user through certain media. While the definition of Demodulator that is the opposite of the Modulator itself, where the task is as a tool that process in order to get back the signal sent by the sender. In the system work, the signal will be separated from high frequency and analog signals will be converted back into digital signals to be well received by the computer.

Modem Function
From the definition of these two words it can be concluded that the notion of a modem is a two-way communication tool. Where modems typically receive binary pulse circuitry from computer peripherals, then modulate the characteristics of analog signals to be routed over telephone lines or cable lines. While on the receiver, the signal is boarded by the demodulator circuit is separated from the signal back so that it can be read by the computer and this process is called the demodulation process.

12. Firewall

Firewall Definition
A firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network (Privat Network). Firewalls can be implemented in hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are often used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All incoming or outgoing messages from the intranet pass through the firewall, the firewall acts as the controller of each message and blocks, if it does not meet certain security criteria.

Firewall Function
The firewall function as a controller, watching the flow of data packets flowing in the network. The Firewal function organizes, filters and controls the data traffic that is allowed to access protected private networks, some criteria that fire-wall does whether to allow data packets to skip or not, include:

• IP address of the source computer
• Port TCP / UDP source from source.
• IP address of the destination computer.
• TCP / UDP port destination data on destination computer
• Information from headers stored in data packets.

Specifically Firewall function is to authenticate against access to the Networks. The Fire-wall proxy application is able to check more than just the headers of the data packets, this capability demands it to be able to detect specific application protocols that are specs.

e read by the computer and this process is called the demodulation process.

Firewall Types

---

Hardware : this is a type of firewall in the form of hardware devices made specifically to provide security. Because firewall hardware is a specialized device designed and developed for that purpose, they are considered the best solution for organizational security and protection of sensitive information. Hardware firewalls are mostly used in production environments and it is unlikely that they are purchased for home. The reason behind this is that hardware firewalls are difficult to configure and require skilled and qualified professionals to implement security in them efficiently. Since home computers do not have sensitive information and no home users are expected to be professional and technically sound to be able to configure hardware firewalls, the use of these firewalls is limited to security-oriented media or large-scale organizations.

Software : This is a software firewall application that can be installed on a computer system like any other application. After installation, the firewall software must be precisely configured to allow or deny communication between the computer and the network / internet depending on the nature of the package. Although there are several software firewalls available in the right markets developed for security purposes, these firewalls are not as efficient as hardware firewalls.

---

---

Recent post :
INTRODUCTION OF NETWORKING HARDWARE - PART #1

---

Credits:

1. Wikipedia - Networking Hardware
2. IGCSE ICT - Networking Hardware
3. Senedork - Firewall
4. Wikipedia - Firewall