WHAT’S A WIRELESS AP?

AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?

Network Components & How They Work

What Are We Learning Here?

This PowerPoint describes the function of the following network equipment:

HubSwitchRouterBridge

GatewayFirewall

Wireless AP

And illustrates how they work together.

HubSends data from one computer to other

devices on the network. Usually operates at Layer 1 of the OSI model because it is a low-function machine and ties together the devices attached to it through multiple ports. They do not manage traffic.

Would be used in a home network to connect several devices through the USB ports. Cost $10-25.

SwitchA switch is an improvement on a hub and

controls traffic on the network more quickly. Most often processes & routes data at OSI Layer 2. Plays a big part in LANs. Switches can carry power over Ethernet so that other devices do not need separate power supplies.

They typically cost between $40-$70.

Switch diagram

RouterA router is more powerful than a hub, switch

or a bridge. They do many things but usually operate on OSI Layer 3, working with IP addresses. At home it connects to the modem and allows multiple users to use the Internet at once.

Routers can cost $20-$100 and today most are wireless.

Router diagram

BridgeA bridge connects 2 or more LANs. The bridge is

like a router but it does not analyze the data, so they are faster but not as versatile as a router. They operate at the OSI Layer 2 & might be used at home to create a single network segment from separate LAN segments.

They can cost $50-$100. Windows Vista can be used as a bridge.

Bridge diagram

GatewayA gateway can be, in homes, the ISP that

connects the user to the Internet. A gateway can operate at any level and is basically a network point that acts as an entrance to a different network. Since a gateway can be anything from a PC, a server, a router or other devices, prices will vary greatly.

Gateway diagram

Gateway

FirewallA firewall is a simple program or hardware

device that filters information coming through the Internet to a private computer network. The device uses a set of rules to flag incoming harmful packets of information and filters them out.

A corporate firewall can cost $4000+ but for home one can be purchased for $100-$200.Since a firewall can be software, this shows what a firewall does.

Firewall diagram

Wireless APAnd finally, the Wireless AP. This is a

device that allows wireless devices, such as an iPad or iPod to connect to a wired network. In home use, the wireless router is also the wireless access point. A public application of the WAP is a “hotspot”, which allows wireless clients to connect to the network.

A wireless AP or wireless router can cost $30-$200

Wireless AP diagram

Network diagram

Gateway

Wireless AP

/Bridge