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

  1. Research each element on the above list, and answer the following

    • What do they do?
    • On which OSI layer do they operate?

  2. Make a document with the above documentation and include relevant links