Computer networks basic concepts

The history of computer networks originates from the moment when a person understands the need to combine the computing and other capabilities of several computers to work together on large information arrays, as well as store, process and transfer large amounts of data. The characteristics of computer networks can carry a variety of information, but perhaps the most important components that include computer networks, the basic concepts for the construction of which will be discussed below, are the products of interworking.

Engaging in such a complex issue as computer networks, the basic concepts of knowing are simply necessary. Without this knowledge, the network will never function as it should, and this entails huge losses of time and enterprise funds.

So, computer networks are the basic concepts - the means of interworking. It should be noted that the wound of these devices is one of the fastest growing. The main purpose of the means of interworking is to ensure the interconnection between users, united in a huge, and often distributed over a large territory local network.

Computer networks basic concepts include six types of products that implement interworking.

Repeaters

A repeater is a hardware device that operates at the physical layer of the OSI model and enables the connection of a pair of segments of one computer network.

Concentrators

The main purpose of the hubs is to perform the task of the assembly nodes, which ensure the connection of each stand-alone network device and segment. There are several types of concentrators represented by passive, active and intelligent.

Bridges

This term denotes means that are designed to carry data packets between two networks. Bridges make possible a situation where programs and protocols treat integrated networks as a single whole. In addition to data transmission, bridges can be filtered.

Routers

With the help of routers, a logical connection is necessary for individual networks. In this case, the combined networks use the same protocol. It is clear that routers are protocol-independent devices that must be endowed with the ability to support certain routing protocols. It is the presence of routers in the network that makes it possible to have multiple paths for packet transmission. In addition, the router is an "intelligent" device capable of determining the optimal path for each packet from a wide range of possible routes.

Gateways

The most common definition of the term "gateway" refers this concept to any hardware tool or software package designed to combine a pair of dissimilar systems. In this sense, the gateway can be considered a communication server or an access server.

The fact that the operation of gateways differs by "multilevel" distinguishes them among routers, bridges and repeaters, capable of working only on one hierarchical level (this can be a network, channel or physical layer, respectively). In addition, routers, bridges and repeaters are not capable of performing data conversion.

Switches

A switch is a device whose main purpose is to redirect input data to one of the outputs. For example, the input of the switch receives data packets, and its output is connected to the Ethernet bus. In this version, the device will be called the Ethernet switch

The switch must have the means to organize the necessary connections, as well as tools that allow the input information to be converted to the correct output format.