Hardware
In order to build networks, there is a need to know what hardware is available.
This will build a lot on the OSI model. A previous topic of this course.
Most devices are "multi function" devices, as opposed to being pure switches or routers.
An example: Home router
The router supplied by an ISP could be called a cable router with builtin wifi. A 2020 top 10 review from lifewire gives examples of actual hardware.
There are multifunction device with (at least) the following functions:
- Modem: Converts the cable signal to and from ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and wifi (IEEE 802.11).
- Switch: Multiple ethernet connectors
- Wifi: 2.4GHz and 5GHz wifi radio hardware
- Routing: Since ip address space is different on the inside and on the outside, the device most be able to do routing.
- Statefull firewall/NAT: The usual implementation of NAT is to have it as a part of a statefull firewall. This usually includes support for port forwards or DMZ host.
- Webserver/SSH: To configure the device, the norm is to have a webinterface on the inside interface. SSH is also common for text mode acces, especially on "business" models.
The list is more rigid than reality. Looking at the inside of a router, there will be integrated circuitry that, themselves, are multifunction.
Network hardware and servers (1h)
There are many different devices available. The following is an incomplete list.
- Modems
- Router
- Unmanaged switch
- Managed switch
- Access point
- Wireless controller (sometimes hardware, sometimes a server)
- Web proxy (sometimes hardware, sometimes a server)
- Load balancer (sometimes hardware, sometimes a server)
- Firewall
- Wireless repeater
- Wireless bridge
- VPN concentrator
Do the following
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Research each element on the above list, and answer the following
- What do they do?
- On which OSI layer do they operate?
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Make a document with the above documentation and include relevant links