End devices

End devices:
Computers (work stations, laptops, file servers, web servers)
Network printers
VoIP phones
Security cameras
Mobile handheld devices (such as wireless barcode scanners, PDAs)

End devices are referred to as

hosts.

A host device is either the source or destination of a message.

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switch
or hub

Intermediary
Devices

switch
or hub
routers

Intermediary devices:
Provide connectivity to the network (switches/hubs)
Connect individual networks (routers)
Examples:
Network Access Devices (Hubs, switches, and wireless access
points)
Internetworking Devices (routers)
Security Devices (firewalls)
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Network
Media

Network media: The medium provides the channel over which the
message travels from source to destination.
Metallic wires - encoding into patterns of electrical impulses.
Fiber optics encoding into pulses of light (infrared or visible light ranges)
Wireless encoding patterns of electromagnetic waves.

(Later: OSI Physical Layer)

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Network
Media

Different media considerations:

Distance it can carry the signal
Environment it works in
Bandwidth
Cost of medium and installation
Cost of connectors and equipment
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Evolution of the network

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Trends in Network
Major trends that are contributing to the future shape of
complex information networks:
Increasing number of mobile users
Increase of network capable devices (PDA, VoIP ,
gaming systems )
Expanding range of services

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Classifications of Networks
According to covered area:
LAN.
MAN.
WAN.

According to Sharing of Information:

Client/Server.
P2P.

According to network topology:

Bus, Star, Ring, Extended Star, Mesh etc.

According to Switching:
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Circuit switch and Packet switch

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