I'm Getting a Headache Looking at Networking Terms: Hubs, Switchers, Bridges, Routers, What's the Diff???

[GundamF91]

like the title said, i thought I had them down. But it seems people are using these terms interchangeably. Seems switchers can read ip headers, like routers....and hubs are similar to bridges in function.

Anyone can give me a concrete definition for each? Got a good website that explains it all? Thanks.

 

[Quad]

Anandtech FAQ

in case u haven't heard, anandtech has a new faq that answers a lot of the questions that are repeatedly asked in the forums. 🙂

you should find your answer in the networking section

 

[SgtBuddy]

This is a good site for networking terms

Gateway - connects two unlike networks together
Bridge - connects two like networks together
Modem - converts analog data to digital data and vice versa
Switch - extends throughput of a network, can be managed or unmanaged
Router - Traffic Cop, routes packets
NIC - gives a computer access to the media
MAU - gives a NIC access to the media (basically a converter, most NICS already have a RJ-45 or BNC connector on them)
Hub - Central connection in a Star Network, can be managed or unmanaged

This is just the definitions off the top of my head ... whatis.com is a good site to get the technicals without beeing too technical.

The Sarge

 

[GundamF91]

thanks for the links. 🙂

 

[L3Guy]

GundamF91;

The real chalange in networking is understanding that current boxes combine
the functions of several "classic" network devices.
Not a bad thing, but confusing if you are trying to define one.

Good Luck;

Doug